Epocrez 4K Injection


Product Info

Prescription required Yes
Marketer Cryzer Formulation
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 Rating4.6
User Reviews589

FAQ

Question
Can Epocrez 4K be used in children?
Yes, Epocrez 4K is used to treat anemia caused due to chronic kidney disease in children who are above 1 year of age. The effectiveness of Epocrez 4K and side effects seen in children are similar to adults.
Answer

Question
What to do if you use too much Epocrez 4K?
Tell the doctor or nurse immediately if you think too much Epocrez 4K has been injected.
Answer

Question
How should Epocrez 4K 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. Epocrez 4K 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 Epocrez 4K affect blood pressure?
Yes, Epocrez 4K can affect blood pressure. During initial therapy with Epocrez 4K, blood pressure should be monitored and those who have high blood pressure should take appropriate measures to control blood pressure. Your doctor may stop Epocrez 4K if the blood pressure remains uncontrolled.
Answer

Question
When should Epocrez 4K not be used?
Epocrez 4K 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
What if you forget to take Epocrez Injection?
If you miss a dose of Epocrez 4K, please consult your doctor.
Answer

Epocrez 4K Injection Reviews

Epocrez 4K 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.

Epocrez 4K 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. Epocrez 4K 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 Epocrez 4K 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 Epocrez 4K Injection Works

Epocrez 4K 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 Epocrez 4K Injection

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

Benefits of Epocrez 4K 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. Epocrez 4K 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: Epocrez 4K 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 Epocrez 4K Injection

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

Epocrez 4K Injection Side Effects

Item form

Safety Tips

Liver  CAUTION
Epocrez 4K should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Epocrez 4K may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding  CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Epocrez 4K is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Alcohol  CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Epocrez 4K. Please consult your doctor.
Driving  UNSAFE
Epocrez 4K may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Kidney  SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Epocrez 4K is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Epocrez 4K is recommended.Regular monitoring of kidney function tests is advised while the patient is taking this medicine.
Pregnancy  CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Epocrez 4K 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.

Quick Tips

  • It is given as a single injection under your skin.
  • Stop taking Epocrez 4K and inform your doctor if you develop shortness of breath or skin rash.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • Epocrez 4K helps in the treatment of anemia that may have occurred due to chronic kidney disease or cancer chemotherapy.

References

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

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