procrit
epoetin alfa (ee poe EE tin AL fa)
Epogen, Procrit
What is the most important information I should know about Procrit?
• Do not give yourself an injection if you are not sure how to inject yourself,how much to inject, and how often to inject your medication procrit. Call your doctor,nurse, or pharmacist for help with the instructions procrit.
• During the first 3 months of treatment with Procrit, use caution whendriving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities procrit. Procrithas been reported to cause seizures in patients on dialysis, although this sideeffect is uncommon procrit. If seizures occur, they generally do so during the first90 days of treatment procrit.
What is Procrit?
• Procrit is a man-made form of a naturally occurring protein called erythropoietin procrit. Erythropoietin is produced in the kidney and stimulates the production of redblood cells procrit. The amount of erythropoietin in the body may be diminished whenthe kidneys are damaged procrit. Medications may also decrease the number of red bloodcells procrit.
• Procrit is used to treat anemia by stimulating red blood cell production procrit.
• Procrit may also be used for purposes other than those listed in thismedication guide procrit.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Procrit?
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have
· high blood pressure;
· heart disease;
· cancer; or
· epilepsy or another seizure disorder procrit.
• You may not be able to use Procrit, or you may require a lower dose orspecial monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above procrit.
• Procrit is in the FDA pregnancy category C procrit. This means that it is notknown whether Procrit will harm an unborn baby procrit. Do not use this medication withoutfirst talking to your doctor if you are pregnant procrit.
• It is also not known whether Procrit passes into breast milk procrit. Do notuse this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feedinga baby procrit.
How should I use Procrit?
• Use Procrit exactly as directed by your doctor procrit. If you do not understandthese instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them toyou procrit.
• Procrit may be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) or intravenously(into a vein) procrit. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you specific instructionson how and where to inject your medication procrit. Do not give yourself an injectionif you are not sure how to inject yourself, how much to inject, or how oftento inject your medication procrit. Call your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for help withthe instructions procrit.
• Allow the medication to reach room temperature before measuring a dose procrit.
• Do not shake the vial of Procrit procrit. Vigorous shaking can ruin the medication procrit.
• Properly store and discard all syringes and needles procrit.
• Store Procrit in the refrigerator at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (36 to 46degrees Fahrenheit) away from light, moisture, and the reach of children procrit.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of this medication procrit.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention procrit.
• Symptoms of an Procrit overdose are not known procrit.
What should I avoid while using Procrit?
• During the first 3 months of treatment with Procrit, use caution whendriving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities procrit. Procrithas been reported to cause seizures in patients on dialysis, although this sideeffect is uncommon procrit. If seizures occur, they generally do so during the first90 days of treatment procrit.
What are the possible side effects of Procrit?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop usingProcrit and seek emergency medical treatment:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
· seizures procrit.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur procrit. Continueto use Procrit and talk to your doctor if you experience
· increased blood pressure;
· headache;
· a "flulike" feeling;
· increased heart rate;
· nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
· numbness or tingling;
· tiredness;
· muscle aches;
· a rash; or
· injection site discomfort procrit.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur procrit. Talk to yourdoctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome procrit.
What other drugs will affect Procrit?
• It is not known whether Procrit will interact with other medicines procrit. Talkto your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-countermedicines procrit.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has additional information about Procrit written forhealth professionals that you may read procrit.
|
