Eprex 6000IU Injection
Product Info
Prescription required | Yes |
Marketer | Janssen Pharmaceuticals |
Active Ingredient | Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa (6000IU) |
Salt Synonyms | Epoetin Alfa |
Storage | Store in a refrigerator (2 - 8°C). Do not freeze. |
Chemical Class | Amino Acids, Peptides Analogues |
Habit Forming | No |
Therapeutic Class | BLOOD RELATED |
Action Class | Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) |
User Rating | 4.6 |
User Reviews | 525 |
FAQ
Eprex 6000IU Injection Reviews
Eprex 6000IU 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. Eprex 6000IU 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 Eprex 6000IU 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 Eprex 6000IU Injection Works
How to Use Eprex 6000IU Injection
Benefits of Eprex 6000IU Injection
- In Treatment of Anemia due to chronic kidney disease: Eprex 6000IU 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.
- 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. Eprex 6000IU 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.
Uses of Eprex 6000IU Injection
- Treatment of Anemia due to chronic kidney disease
- Treatment of Anemia due to cancer chemotherapy
Eprex 6000IU Injection Side Effects
- Cough
- Joint pain
- Blood clot in the blood vessels
- Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
- Muscle spasm
- Nausea
- Headache
- Injection site irritation
- Rash
- Dizziness
- Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes)
- Vascular occlusion
- Bone pain
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Increased glucose level in blood
- Chills
- Weight loss
- Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth)
- High blood pressure
Safety Tips
Quick Tips
- Eprex 6000IU helps in the treatment of anemia that may have occurred due to chronic kidney disease or cancer chemotherapy.
- 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.
- 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).
- Stop taking Eprex 6000IU and inform your doctor if you develop shortness of breath or skin rash.
References
- ScienceDirect. Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa/Epoetin Alfa.
- Epoetin alfa [Prescribing Information]. Horsham, Pennsylvania: Janssen Products, LP; 2017.
- Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa/Epoetin Alfa. Leiden, Netherlands: Janssen Biologics B.V; [revised Oct. 2018].
- Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa/Epoetin Alfa. Amgen Inc; 1989 [revised Dec. 2013].