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Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa

Information about Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa

Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa Uses

Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa is used in the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease and anemia due to chemotherapy.

How Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa works

Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa 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.

Common side effects of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa

High blood pressure, Nausea1a, Vomiting, Fever, Rash, Joint pain, Headache, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Chills, Cough, Bone pain, Muscle spasm, Dizziness, Injection site irritation, Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth), Weight loss, Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes), Increased glucose level in blood, Blood clot in the blood vessels

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Radhika Dua

MDS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Shilpa Garcha

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

09 Jul 2020 | 06:04 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa

Expert advice for Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa

Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa 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 Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa and inform your doctor if you develop shortness of breath or skin rash.

Frequently asked questions for Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa

Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa

Q. How should Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa 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. Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa 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.

Q. What to do if you use too much Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa?

Tell the doctor or nurse immediately if you think too much Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa has been injected.

Q. When should Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa not be used?

Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa 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.

Q. Can Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa be used in children?

Yes, Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa is used to treat anemia caused due to chronic kidney disease in children who are above 1 year of age. The effectiveness of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa and side effects seen in children are similar to adults.

Q. Can Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa affect blood pressure?

Yes, Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa can affect blood pressure. During initial therapy with Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa, blood pressure should be monitored and those who have high blood pressure should take appropriate measures to control blood pressure. Your doctor may stop Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa if the blood pressure remains uncontrolled.