Epoetin Alfa-epbx (e-POE-e-tin AL-fa - epbx)

Treats anemia caused by kidney failure or cancer treatment, and in patients with HIV receiving zidovudine. Also used to lessen the need for blood transfusions.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin or into a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Do not shake the vial. Do not use the medicine if it is discolored or has particles in it. Use a vial only once. Throw away any unused medicine in the vial.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not inject into areas that are tender, red, bruised, hard, or has scars, or stretch marks.
• This medicine is available in a single-dose vial or a multiple-dose vial. Your doctor will tell which form is right for you.
• Do not shake the vial before using it. Do not use this medicine if it has been frozen.
• Do not use the medicine if it is cloudy, discolored, or has lumps, flakes, or particles in it.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
• If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect the medicine from direct light. Always store the medicine in the original carton until ready to use.
• Do not use it if it has been frozen. If you use the multiple-dose vial that has enough medicine for more than one dose, put it back in the refrigerator and store for up to 21 days.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart or blood vessel disease, cancer, high blood pressure, phenylketonuria, or a history of seizures or stroke. Tell your doctor if you are scheduled for any type of surgery or are receiving dialysis.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and blood clots (may be life-threatening)
  • Increased risk of the cancer worsening or coming back
  • High blood pressure
  • Seizures
  • Serious skin reactions, including erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis
• This medicine contains benzyl alcohol, which can be harmful to infants and unborn babies.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. You may also need to monitor your blood pressure at home.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Bone, muscle, or joint pain
• Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, fast or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat
• Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Pain or swelling in your lower leg (calf)
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Seizures
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness
• Pain, redness, swelling, bleeding, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed or the shot was given
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088