Epocept 4000IU Injection


Product Info

Prescription required Yes
Marketer Lupin Ltd
Active Ingredient Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa (4000IU)
Salt Synonyms Epoetin Alfa
Storage Store in a refrigerator (2 - 8°C). Do not freeze.
Chemical ClassAmino Acids, Peptides Analogues
Habit FormingNo
Therapeutic ClassBLOOD RELATED
Action ClassErythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)
User Rating4.8
User Reviews669

FAQ

Question
How should Epocept 4000IU be stored?
In the hospital, pre-filled syringes are stored unopened in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 ℃. If you are using this medicine at home, it is important that the pre-filled syringe is stored in your refrigerator. Do not store it in the freezer. Allow the pre-filled syringe to reach room temperature prior to using it. This usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes. Epocept 4000IU pre-filled syringes that are being used or about to be used can be kept at room temperature (not above 25°C) for a maximum single period of 7 days. Keep these pre-filled syringes away from children and protected from light.
Answer

Question
Can Epocept 4000IU be used in children?
Yes, Epocept 4000IU is used to treat anemia caused due to chronic kidney disease in children who are above 1 year of age. The effectiveness of Epocept 4000IU and side effects seen in children are similar to adults.
Answer

Question
When should Epocept 4000IU not be used?
Epocept 4000IU should not be used if the solution is clouded or you can see particles floating in it or if the medicine has expired. Refer to the expiry date on the label. You should also not use the medicine if you know or think that it may have been accidentally frozen or if there has been a refrigerator failure.
Answer

Question
Can Epocept 4000IU affect blood pressure?
Yes, Epocept 4000IU can affect blood pressure. During initial therapy with Epocept 4000IU, blood pressure should be monitored and those who have high blood pressure should take appropriate measures to control blood pressure. Your doctor may stop Epocept 4000IU if the blood pressure remains uncontrolled.
Answer

Question
What to do if you use too much Epocept 4000IU?
Tell the doctor or nurse immediately if you think too much Epocept 4000IU has been injected.
Answer
Question
What if you forget to take Epocept Injection?
If you miss a dose of Epocept 4000IU, please consult your doctor.
Answer

Epocept 4000IU Injection Reviews

Epocept 4000IU is a medicine that helps your bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. It is used to treat a type of anemia caused by kidney disease. It is also used to treat anemia caused by cancer chemotherapy and by taking medicines to treat HIV.

Epocept 4000IU is given by injection either under the skin or into a vein which will be decided by your doctor. Usually, the injections are given by a nurse or doctor. The dose depends on your body weight and the cause of your anemia. Iron supplements both before and during treatment may make this treatment more effective. Epocept 4000IU needs to be stored in a fridge but used at room temperature.

The most common side effects of taking this medicine include nausea, vomiting, fever, and increased blood pressure. It may also cause flu-like symptoms such as headache, tiredness, dizziness and aches and pains. These side effects are most common at the start of treatment but if they persist your doctor may be able to suggest ways of preventing or reducing them. Tell your doctor straight away if you get any serious side effects, including seizures (fits). Sometimes this medicine can cause serious blood clots that need urgent medical attention.

Before using Epocept 4000IU you should tell your doctor if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, or gout (disease of joint pain). You should also tell him/her what other medicines you are taking in case they affect this treatment. Your blood pressure should be checked often during this treatment by you or your doctor. You may also need other regular medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

How Epocept 4000IU Injection Works

Epocept 4000IU is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA). It works by stimulating the bone marrow (soft tissue inside the bones which produces red blood cells) to produce more red blood cells.

How to Use Epocept 4000IU Injection

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Benefits of Epocept 4000IU Injection

  • In Treatment of Anemia due to cancer chemotherapy: Anemia is a condition where your body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body. Epocept 4000IU is a man-made protein that works by stimulating the bone marrow (soft tissue inside the bones) to produce more red blood cells. The natural human form of this protein may be reduced when you are having chemotherapy to treat some types of cancer. An injection of the medicine can reduce the need to have a blood transfusion. You may also be given iron supplements to make the treatment more effective.
  • In Treatment of Anemia due to chronic kidney disease: Epocept 4000IU is a man-made protein that helps your bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. It is used to treat anemia which is caused by kidney disease in adults and children who are on dialysis. Anemia is a condition where your body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body. This medicine helps reduce weakness and tiredness that you may be experiencing due to anemia. The injection is usually given by a doctor after a dialysis treatment.

Uses of Epocept 4000IU Injection

  • Treatment of Anemia due to chronic kidney disease
  • Treatment of Anemia due to cancer chemotherapy

Epocept 4000IU Injection Side Effects

Item form

Safety Tips

Liver  CAUTION
Epocept 4000IU should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Epocept 4000IU may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Kidney  SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Epocept 4000IU is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Epocept 4000IU is recommended.Regular monitoring of kidney function tests is advised while the patient is taking this medicine.
Pregnancy  CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Epocept 4000IU may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Alcohol  CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Epocept 4000IU. Please consult your doctor.
Driving  UNSAFE
Epocept 4000IU may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Breast feeding  CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Epocept 4000IU is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

Quick Tips

  • Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms of very high blood pressure such as  severe headache, problems with your eyesight, nausea, vomiting or fits (seizures).
  • Epocept 4000IU helps in the treatment of anemia that may have occurred due to chronic kidney disease or cancer chemotherapy.
  • Stop taking Epocept 4000IU and inform your doctor if you develop shortness of breath or skin rash.
  • It is given as a single injection under your skin.
  • Your doctor may get your blood tests done regularly to monitor the levels of hemoglobin, blood cells and electrolytes such as potassium in your blood.

References

  1. ScienceDirect. Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa/Epoetin Alfa.
  2. Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa/Epoetin Alfa. Amgen Inc; 1989 [revised Dec. 2013].
  3. Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa/Epoetin Alfa. Leiden, Netherlands: Janssen Biologics B.V; [revised Oct. 2018].
  4. Epoetin alfa [Prescribing Information]. Horsham, Pennsylvania: Janssen Products, LP; 2017.

Other Medical Preparations