Epoetin Alfa (Injection):  Epoetin Alfa (e-POE-e-tin AL-fa) 

Treats anemia by helping the body produce more red blood cells. 

Brand Name(s): Procrit, Epogen 

There may be other brand names for this medicine. 

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used: 

You should not use this medicine  if you have ever had  an allergic reaction to epoetin alfa  or albumin,  or if you have uncontrolled high  blood pressure. 

How  to Use This Medicine: 
Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. 
• An intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us)  or IV injection is given through  a tube put in one  of your veins, usually in  your arm, wrist, hand, or sometimes in  your chest. 
• A subcutaneous (sub-kyoo-TANE-ee-us)  or SC injection  is a shot given just  under your skin,  usually on the back of your arm or  the top of your thigh,  or on  your stomach.
• A nurse  or other caregiver trained  to give injections  will give your treatment. 
• Sometimes  you or a family member can  be taught  how to give your medicine at home. Make  sure you understand all instructions before  giving yourself an injection. 
• Always wipe  the top of the epoetin bottle  with an alcohol pad  before each use. 
• Do not shake the bottle,  and You  should not use the medicine if  you see specks or solid pieces inside  the bottle. 
• Stick the  needle into  the rubber stopper at the top  of the bottle. With  the needle still stuck  in the bottle, turn the bottle upside down  and hold it at eye level. 
• Pull  the plunger until it lines up with  the number  of your dose on  the side of  the syringe. 
• Gently tap the syringe  with your finger to make  any air bubbles float to the top of the syringe,  just under the needle. Push  the plunger in just enough so that  the air bubbles go up into  the bottle, and pull enough  epoetin back down  into the syringe to make the correct dose. 
• Inject your medicine in  a different place on your body each time. 
• Use  a new syringe each time you give yourself an injection. You should not use  a needle and syringe more than one time. 

• Use the missed dose as soon as possible, unless you are a day late. 
• If you are more than a day late, call your doctor. 
• You should not use two doses at the same time. 

• You should receive a container for throwing away your used needles and syringes.  Keep this container out of the reach of children  and pets. 
• If  you receive  your medicine at a clinic,  the staff at the clinic will keep  your medicine there. 
• If you store this medicine at home, store it  in the refrigerator;  do not freeze. Keep all medicine out of  the reach of children. 

Drugs and Foods to Avoid: 

Ask  your doctor  or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. 

• You  may need to eat foods that contain iron, such as eggs, certain cereals, meats, and vegetables, or you may take an iron supplement while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor. 

Warnings While Using This Medicine: 

• Keep using this medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to. Do not stop using it without first checking with your doctor, even if you feel better. 
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine. 
• It is very important to see your doctor regularly. 

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine: 

Call your doctor right  away if you notice any  of these side effects: 

• Chest pain 
• Rash  or swelling
• Seizures
• Trouble breathing, irregular heartbeat 

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea
• Flu-like symptoms (chills, muscle  or joint pain)
• Headache
• Mild pain  or stinging where  the IV or shot is given 
• Upset stomach, nausea 

If you notice  other side effects  that you think are caused by this medicine, tell  your doctor.