Erythropoietin

Generic Name: erythropoietin

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Procrit

11 DESCRIPTION Epoetin alfa is a 165-amino acid erythropoiesis-stimulating glycoprotein manufactured by recombinant DNA technology. It has a molecular weight of approximately 30,400 daltons and is produced by mammalian cells into which the human erythropoietin gene has been introduced. The product contains the identical amino acid sequence of isolated natural erythropoietin.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Epoetin alfa is a 165-amino acid erythropoiesis-stimulating glycoprotein manufactured by recombinant DNA technology. It has a molecular weight of approximately 30,400 daltons and is produced by mammalian cells into which the human erythropoietin gene has been introduced. The product contains the identical amino acid sequence of isolated natural erythropoietin.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE PROCRIT is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) indicated for: Treatment of anemia due to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in patients on dialysis and not on dialysis ( 1.1 ). Zidovudine in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection ( 1.2 ). The effects of concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy, and upon initiation, there is a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy ( 1.3 ). Reduction of allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in patients undergoing elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery ( 1.4 ). Limitations of Use PROCRIT has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being ( 1.5 ).

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Evaluate iron status before and during treatment and maintain iron repletion. Correct or exclude other causes of anemia before initiating treatment ( 2.1 ). In pregnant women, lactating women, neonates, infants: Use only single-dose vials ( 2.1 ). Patients with CKD: Initial dose: 50 to 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly (adults) and 50 Units/kg 3 times weekly (pediatric patients). Individualize maintenance dose. Intravenous route recommended for patients on hemodialysis ( 2.2 ). Patients on Zidovudine due to HIV Infection: 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly ( 2.3 ). Patients with Cancer on Chemotherapy: 40,000 Units weekly or 150 Units/kg 3 times weekly (adults); 600 Units/kg intravenously weekly (pediatric patients ≥ 5 years) ( 2.4 ).

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Increased Mortality, Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, and Thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Increased Mortality and/or Increased Risk of Tumor Progression or Recurrence in Patients with Cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] PRCA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Serious Allergic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Severe Cutaneous Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Patients with CKD: Adverse reactions in ≥ 5% of PROCRIT-treated patients in clinical studies were hypertension, arthralgia, muscle spasm, pyrexia, dizziness...

Warnings

WARNING: ESAs INCREASE THE RISK OF DEATH, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE, VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM, THROMBOSIS OF VASCULAR ACCESS AND TUMOR PROGRESSION OR RECURRENCE WARNING: ESAs INCREASE THE RISK OF DEATH, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE, VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM, THROMBOSIS OF VASCULAR ACCESS AND TUMOR PROGRESSION OR RECURRENCE See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Increased Mortality, Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, and Thromboembolism: Using ESAs to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL increases the risk of serious adverse cardiovascular reactions and has not been shown to provide additional benefit ( 5.1 and 14.1 ). Use caution in patients with coexistent cardiovascular disease and stroke ( 5.1 ). Increased Mortality and/or Increased Risk of Tumor Progression or Recurrence in Patients with Cancer ( 5.2 ). Hypertension: Control hypertension prior to initiating and during treatment with PROCRIT ( 5.3 ). Seizures: PROCRIT increases the risk for seizures in patients with CKD ( 5.4 ). Increase monitoring of these patients for changes in seizure frequency or premonitory symptoms ( 5.4 ). 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS PROCRIT is contraindicated in patients with: Uncontrolled hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that begins after treatment with PROCRIT or other erythropoietin protein drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Serious allergic reactions to PROCRIT [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] PROCRIT from multiple-dose vials contains benzyl...

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary PROCRIT from multiple-dose vials contains benzyl alcohol and is contraindicated in pregnant women [see Contraindications (4) ] . When therapy with PROCRIT is needed during pregnancy, use a benzyl alcohol-free formulation (i.e., single-dose vial). Do not mix PROCRIT with bacteriostatic saline when administering to pregnant women because it contains benzyl alcohol (see Clinical Considerations ) [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] .

Storage

Store at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Do not shake. Do not use PROCRIT that has been shaken or frozen. Store PROCRIT vials in the original carton until use to protect from light.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Erythropoietin used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE PROCRIT is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) indicated for: Treatment of anemia due to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in patients on dialysis and not on dialysis ( 1.1 ). Zidovudine in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection ( 1.2 ). The effects of concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy, and upon initiation, there is a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy ( 1.3 ). Reduction of allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in patients undergoing elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery ( 1.4 ). Limitations of Use PROCRIT has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being ( 1.5 ).

What are the side effects of Erythropoietin?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Increased Mortality, Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, and Thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Increased Mortality and/or Increased Risk of Tumor Progression or Recurrence in Patients with Cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] PRCA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Serious Allergic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Severe Cutaneous Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Patients with CKD: Adverse reactions in ≥ 5% of PROCRIT-treated patients in clinical studies were hypertension, arthralgia, muscle spasm, pyrexia, dizziness...

Can I take Erythropoietin during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary PROCRIT from multiple-dose vials contains benzyl alcohol and is contraindicated in pregnant women [see Contraindications (4) ] . When therapy with PROCRIT is needed during pregnancy, use a benzyl alcohol-free formulation (i.e., single-dose vial). Do not mix PROCRIT with bacteriostatic saline when administering to pregnant women because it contains benzyl alcohol (see Clinical Considerations ) [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] .

What are the important warnings for Erythropoietin?

WARNING: ESAs INCREASE THE RISK OF DEATH, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE, VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM, THROMBOSIS OF VASCULAR ACCESS AND TUMOR PROGRESSION OR RECURRENCE WARNING: ESAs INCREASE THE RISK OF DEATH, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE, VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM, THROMBOSIS OF VASCULAR ACCESS AND TUMOR PROGRESSION OR RECURRENCE See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Increased Mortality, Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, and Thromboembolism: Using ESAs to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL increases the risk of serious adverse cardiovascular reactions and has not been shown to provide additional benefit ( 5.1 and 14.1 ). Use caution in patients with coexistent cardiovascular disease and stroke ( 5.1 ). Increased Mortality and/or Increased Risk of Tumor Progression or Recurrence in Patients with Cancer ( 5.2 ). Hypertension: Control hypertension prior to initiating and during treatment with PROCRIT ( 5.3 ). Seizures: PROCRIT increases the risk for seizures in patients with CKD ( 5.4 ). Increase monitoring of these patients for changes in seizure frequency or premonitory symptoms ( 5.4 ). 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS PROCRIT is contraindicated in patients with: Uncontrolled hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that begins after treatment with PROCRIT or other erythropoietin protein drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Serious allergic reactions to PROCRIT [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] PROCRIT from multiple-dose vials contains benzyl...

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.