EPOETIN ALFA

EPOETIN ALFA 3000iu is a prescription medicine used to treat a lower than normal number of red blood cells (anemia) caused by chronic kidney disease in patients on dialysis to reduce or avoid the need for red blood cell transfusions. EPOETIN ALFA has not been proven to improve quality of life, fatigue, or well-being. EPOETIN ALFA should not be used in place of emergency treatment for anemia (red blood cell transfusions). Important Safety Information EPOETIN ALFA may cause serious side effects that can lead to death, including: For people with cancer: • In patients with breast, non-small cell lung, head and neck, lymphoid, and cervical cancers: Your tumor may grow faster and you may die sooner if you choose to take EPOETIN ALFA. • Your healthcare provider will talk with you about these risks. For all people who take EPOETIN ALFA, including people with cancer or chronic kidney disease: • Serious heart problems, such as heart attack or heart failure, and stroke. You may die sooner if you are treated with EPOETIN ALFA to increase red blood cells (RBCs) to near the same level found in healthy people. • Blood clots. Blood clots may happen at any time while taking EPOETIN ALFA. If you are receiving EPOETIN ALFA for any reason and are going to have surgery, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you need to take a blood thinner to lessen the chance of blood clots during or following surgery. • Call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms: o Chest pain o Trouble breathing or shortness of breath o Pain or swelling in your legs o A cool or pale arm or leg o Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or trouble understanding others’ speech o Sudden numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of your body o Sudden trouble seeing o Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination o Loss of consciousness (fainting) o Hemodialysis vascular access stops working If you decide to take EPOETIN ALFA, your healthcare provider should prescribe the smallest dose that is necessary to reduce your chance of needing RBC transfusions. If your hemoglobin level stays too high or goes up too quickly, this may lead to serious health problems which may result in death. These serious health problems may happen if you take EPOETIN ALFA, even if you do not have an increase in your hemoglobin level. Storage : Vials of EPOETIN ALFA should be stored between 2C – 8C. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Any unused portion should be discarded.