What should be monitored when taking epoetin?

You will be monitored regularly by your doctor while you are taking epoetin alfa. Tests will include blood tests (specifically hemoglobin and hematocrit) and blood pressure measurements.

What should I monitor with Epogen?

Your doctor will test your blood regularly—at least weekly at the beginning of your treatment—to make sure EPOGEN® is working. The test will measure your Hb or your hematocrit (hee-MAT-a-crit) levels, though most doctors measure Hb because it is a better way to check for anemia.

How do you administer Epogen injections?

Epogen can be injected directly into a layer of fat under your skin. This is called a subcutaneous injection. When giving subcutaneous injections, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about changing the site for each injection. You may wish to write down the site where you have injected.

When do you hold epoetin alfa?

Withhold Epogen if hemoglobin exceeds 12 g/dL. Resume therapy at a dose 25% below the previous dose when hemoglobin declines to less than 11 g/dL.

How do you inject epoetin?

Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is 50 to 100 units per kilogram (kg) injected into a vein or under the skin three times a week. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

What must be monitored closely in patients receiving EPO and why?

– It is important that blood pressure, reticulocyte, haemoglobin and electrolyte counts be closely monitored. – Interrupt treatment if blood pressure becomes uncontrollable.

Does erythropoietin require lab monitoring?

Why isn’t erythropoietin measured to monitor erythropoietin drug therapy? It is not used because it is the effect on the bone marrow – reflected by increased RBC and reticulocyte production and increasing hemoglobin – that is important in the resolution of anemia, not the concentration of erythropoietin in the blood.

What are the side effects of EPOGEN?

Common side effects of EPOGEN® include:

Joint, muscle, or bone pain.
Fever.
Cough.
Rash.
Nausea.
Dizziness.
High blood sugar.
Low potassium levels in the blood.

When should erythropoietin be administered?

ESAs are usually given to patients who have chronic (long-lasting) kidney disease or end-stage renal (kidney) disease. These patients usually have lower hemoglobin levels because they can’t produce enough erythropoietin. ESAs are also prescribed for patients who have cancer.

What is the best time to inject epoetin?

Typically we give it when returning a dialysis patient, but most doctors say it is fine to inject EPO 20 to 25 minutes before dialysis patient termination by saying it is a protein.

How long is EPOGEN at room temperature?

The 40,000-unit vial is stable for 7 days at room temperature unopened.