Epoetin Alfa

Indications & Dose:

Adult:

• Chronic renal failure. 

• BY INTRAVENIOUS OR SC

IV (dialysis patients)/IV or SC (non-dialysis chronic renal failure patients) 50-100 U/kg 3 times/wk initially; increase dose if hct increases by <5-6 points after 8 wk and is below target range; decrease dose when target hct is reached or hct increases >4 points in any 2 wk period; maintenance dose should be individualized, but is generally about 25 U/kg 3 times/wk

• Zidovudine-treated HIV-Infected patients:

• BY INTRAVENIOUS OR SC

IV/SC 100 U/kg 3 times/wk initially; after 8 wk adjust dose by 50-100 U/kg to a max of 300 U/kg 3 times/ wk

• Cancer patients on chemotherapy:

• BY  SUBCUTANIOUS

SC 150 U/kg 3 times/wk initially; after 8 wk adjust dose by 50-100 U/kg to a max of 300 U/kg 3 times/ wk

• Prior to E’lcotiao sitryery: 

• BY SUBCUTANIOUS

SC 300 U/kg/d for 10 days prior to surgery, the day of surgery and for 4 days after surgery

Neonate:

• Anemia of prematurity:

• BY SUBCUTANIOUS

SC 150-250 U/kg 3 times/wk 

Contraindications:

Uncontrolled hypertension; hypersensitivity to mammalian cell-derived products or to human albumin; use to enhance athletic performance 

Side Effects:

CNS: Headache, seizures
CV: Hypertenslon, tachycardia
GI: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
HEME: Clotted vascular access
METAB: Hyperkalemia
MS: Arthralgia, myalgia
RESP: Shortness of breath
SKIN: Inj site stinging 

Cautions:

Precautions:

Severe anemia, seizure disorder, vascular disease, history of thrombosis, children, porphyria 

Interaction:

Warnings:

Adverse Effects:

Lactations:

Excretion into breast milk unknown; use caution in nursing mothers

Special Precautions:

Counselling:

Side Effects Or Adverse Reactions:

Patient And Carer Advice: