Medical Uses
Epogen (epoetin alfa) is a type of medicine known as an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA). It helps the body produce red blood cells (RBCs) and is used to treat certain types of anemia (low red blood cell count).
- Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): It is prescribed for the treatment of patients with CKD, whether they are on dialysis or not.
- Anemia in HIV Patients: Individuals with HIV infection who are taking zidovudine (a type of HIV medicine) may develop anemia. This medicine helps increase their red blood cell (RBC) levels.
- Anemia from Chemotherapy: Some cancer patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy (which affects bone marrow) may experience anemia. This therapeutic drug is used if they have at least two months of chemotherapy planned.
- Before Certain Surgeries: For patients undergoing elective (planned) surgeries that are non-cardiac and non-vascular, this medicinal product helps reduce the need for blood transfusions.
Limitations of Use:
This therapeutic drug does not improve quality of life, reduce fatigue, or enhance overall well-being. It is not recommended in the following cases:
- Cancer patients take only hormonal therapy, biologic drugs, or radiation. It is only for those also on chemotherapy that affects bone marrow.
- Cancer patients receive chemotherapy when the goal is a complete cure.
- Cancer patients whose anemia can be treated with a blood transfusion.
- Surgical patients who are willing to donate their own blood.
- Patients undergoing heart or blood vessel surgeries.
- Patients need an urgent red blood cell transfusion for immediate anemia treatment.
Recommended Dosage: Evaluate iron status before and during Epoetin alfa treatment and maintain iron repletion. Correct or exclude other causes of anemia before starting treatment. Pregnant women, lactating women, neonates, and infants should use only single-dose vials.
- Patients with CKD: The recommended initial dose is 50 to 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly for adults and 50 Units/kg 3 times weekly for pediatric patients. Individualize the maintenance dose of this drug. The intravenous (IV) route is recommended for patients on hemodialysis.
- Patients on Zidovudine due to HIV infection: The recommended dose is 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly.
- Patients with Cancer on Chemotherapy: The recommended dose is 40,000 Units weekly or 150 Units/kg 3 times weekly for adults; and 600 Units/kg intravenously weekly for pediatric patients ≥ 5 years).
- Surgery Patients: The recommended dose is 300 Units/kg per day daily for 15 days or 600 Units/kg weekly.