Examples
| darbepoetin |
Aranesp |
| epoetin |
Epoetin Alfa (EPO), Epogen, Procrit |
Epoetin is a type of erythropoietin stimulator. These
medicines can be given two ways. They may be injected into a vein with an
intravenous (IV) needle or injected under the skin (subcutaneous). Talk to your
doctor about which way is best for you.
How It Works
Epoetin is the man-made form of something
that is produced naturally by your body, erythropoietin. The drug helps
red blood cells to grow. It is used to prevent or
treat
anemia.
Why It Is Used
Cancer and treatment for cancer can
cause your blood cell counts to drop very low. Epoetin is used to bring your
blood cell count up as soon as possible. It is also used to prevent and treat
some types of anemia, such as those caused by
kidney disease.
How Well It Works
Epoetin helps your body make new red
blood cells, which means you may not need as many blood transfusions. Sometimes
your doctor may give you iron at the same time as epoetin to help treat
anemia.
Side Effects
Epoetin can cause
high blood pressure. Drugs are available to treat high
blood pressure.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side
effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Most people have few problems with
epoetin. It can make you feel better and increase your appetite and your
energy.
Epoetin is expensive.
Epoetin is an
erythropoietin. Darbepoetin is another type of erythropoietin that may be given
less frequently.
It may be dangerous to use erythropoietin
stimulators to increase your red blood cell (hemoglobin) levels above 12 g/dL.
Hemoglobin levels that are too high may increase your risk for death, heart
failure, heart attack, and stroke. Talk with your doctor about your concerns
and keep all your appointments for blood tests.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?)
to help you understand this medication.
