What is the purpose of EPOGEN?
EPOGEN® increases hemoglobin (Hb) levels and decreases the need for blood transfusions. Your doctor will determine the appropriate Hb level for you to reduce the need for blood transfusions. EPOGEN® should not be used in place of emergency red blood cell transfusions to treat anemia.
What type of drug is EPOGEN?
Epoetin alfa products are in a class of medications called erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). They work by causing the bone marrow (soft tissue inside the bones where blood is made) to make more red blood cells.
Is EPO the same as EPOGEN?
Epogen and Procrit are both epoetin alfa, but they are marketed by two different pharmaceutical companies. The FDA approved epoetin alfa in June 1989.
What are the different types of EPO?
Types
- Erythropoietin (Epo)
- Epoetin alfa (Procrit, Epogen)
- Epoetin beta (NeoRecormon)
- Epoetin zeta (Silapo, Retacrit)
- Darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp)
- Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (Mircera)
What is the difference between Epogen and Aranesp?
Epoetin alfa (Retacrit, Procrit, Epogen) is a glycoprotein that stimulates red blood cell production; whereas, darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp) stimulates erythropoiesis by the same mechanism as endogenous erythropoietin.
Does Epogen increase platelets?
Epo increases platelet count. Haemoglobin and thrombocyte counts of patients treated with Epo or placebo after 5 days.
Is Epogen given IM or SQ?
Epogen can be injected directly into a layer of fat under your skin. This is called a subcutaneous injection. When giving subcutaneous injections, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about changing the site for each injection.
When is Epogen prescribed?
Initiate Epogen treatment when the hemoglobin level is less than 10 g/dL. If the hemoglobin level approaches or exceeds 11 g/dL, reduce or interrupt the dose of Epogen. The recommended starting dose for adult patients is 50 to 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly intravenously or subcutaneously.
Is EPO and Procrit the same?
PROCRIT® is a man–made form of erythropoietin (EPO). PROCRIT® works like EPO — it causes your bone marrow to make more red blood cells. This, in turn, raises your level of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen to all parts of the body.
Does EPO increase WBC?
Overall, six patients showed changes in non-erythroid cells: two patients had an increase in platelet counts; three patients, a decrease in platelet counts; and one patient, an increase in white blood cell counts. Most of these changes reversed rapidly once erythropoietin was stopped.
Which medicine is best for increasing blood?
Pentoxifylline is used to improve blood flow in patients with circulation problems to reduce aching, cramping, and tiredness in the hands and feet.
What drugs increase RBC count?
Medication to stimulate RBC production: A hormone called erythropoietin is produced in the kidneys and liver and stimulates the bone marrow to produce RBCs. Erythropoietin can be used as a treatment for some forms of anemia.
How long does Epogen take to work?
Epoetin alfa injection will help control your anemia only as long as you continue to use it. It may take 2–6 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of epoetin alfa injection. Do not stop using epoetin alfa injection without talking to your doctor.
Does Epogen cause high blood pressure?
Epogen may sometimes cause or worsen high blood pressure, especially in patients with long-term kidney failure. Rarely, Epogen may suddenly stop working well after a period of time because your body may make antibodies that make it work less well, and a very serious anemia can result.
When to give Epogen?
When fewer red blood cells are produced, you can develop a condition called anemia. Epogen is used to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy or chronic kidney disease, anemia caused by taking zidovudine to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), or anemia due to other reasons.
When should I use Epogen dialysis?
Initiate Epogen treatment when the hemoglobin level is less than 10 g/dL.