What is Epogen: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Epogen

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin or into a vein through a dialysis port.

• Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

• Injection routeYou 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 medicine. Do not use it if it is cloudy or discolored, or has particles in it.

• Injection routeYou 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.

• Injection routeUse 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: Injection routeCall your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

• Injection routeIf you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Do not use it if it has been frozen. If you use the vial that has enough medicine for more than one dose, put it back in the refrigerator and store for up to 21 days.

• Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

What to do if you miss a dose of Epogen

Epogen contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to epoetin alfa or if you had pure red cell aplasia after receiving epoetin alfa or similar medicines.

Epogen warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine contains benzyl alcohol, which can be harmful to infants and unborn babies.

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, any type of infection, or a history of cancer, blood clots, or seizures. Also tell your doctor if you are scheduled for any type of surgery.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Increased risk for heart and blood vessel problems, including heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and blood clotsIncreased risk of the cancer worsening or coming back for cancer patientsHigh blood pressureIncreased risk of seizuresSerious skin reactions

• This medicine is made from donated human blood. All donated blood is tested for certain viruses. Although your risk for getting a virus from the medicine is very low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Seizures

• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

• Unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, or weakness

Epogen interactions

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine contains benzyl alcohol, which can be harmful to infants and unborn babies.

• Tell your doctor if you have heart failure, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or history of cancer, blood clots, or seizures. Also tell your doctor if you are scheduled for any type of surgery.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Serious heart and blood vessel problems, including heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and blood clotsFor cancer patients, increased risk of the cancer worsening or coming backSeizuresHigh blood pressure

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Your doctor will also monitor your blood pressure.

• This medicine is made from donated human blood. All donated blood is tested for certain viruses. Although your risk for getting a virus from the medicine is very low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.