Epogen: Salient Features

Epogen is the brand name of epoetin produced by the pharmaceutical company Amgen Inc. Epoetin is also available in the market under the brand names of Procrit and Eprex. Epogen was first introduced into the market in 1989 to help dialysis patients lead a better life. It is a synthetic form of erythropoietin, which is a naturally occurring protein in the body.

Erythropoietin is produced by the kidneys to promote the production of red blood cells. Epoetin stimulates the bone marrow to make RBCs (red blood cells) and is used in the treatment of anemia. This anemia can be caused by kidney damage or end stage renal disease; or it can also be caused by other medications, chemotherapy and surgery. AIDS patients also use Epogen along with zidovudine, to maintain a high red blood cell count and reduce the risk for transfusions. However, Eopgen’s usage can only be determined by a doctor as it is a prescription medication with serious side effects.

Available in injection form, Epogen is usually administered by a doctor or health care professional after a dialysis, but this drug can sometimes be given at home. It is very important that you completely understand how Epogen is administered. When on this drug your doctor may also put you on a special iron diet. Foods rich in iron, like leafy green vegetables, fish and iron fortified cereal should be include to keep your iron levels in the blood up. It is important that these iron levels stay high otherwise Epogen will not work properly.

It is important to remember that during the first three months of Epogen treatment, avoid driving, operating machinery or performing hazardous tasks as Epogen causes dizziness or lightheadedness. This drug has also been reported to cause seizures in patients on dialysis, but this is not common. If seizures do occur, they tend to happen during the first 90 days of treatment.

Before using Epogen, inform your doctor if you have had;

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Cancer or
• Epilepsy or seizures

If you have had any of the above mentioned conditions you may not be able to use this drug, or you may need a special dosage. Also if you are pregnant, plan to get pregnant or are breast feeding, do not use Epogen as it is not known whether it can cause harm to the baby or can pass through breast milk.

It is extremely important that you take this medicine exactly as prescribed. Epogen needs to be stored in the refrigerator at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. However, let it reach room temperature before measuring a dose. Do not shake Epogen to hard as it can ruin the medication.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using Epogen and seek emergency medical treatment:

• an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
• seizures

Epogen can cause uncontrolled high blood pressure; so it is important to keep a regular check on your blood pressure while you are taking this drug.

Other less serious side effects of Epogen include;

• Increased blood pressure or hypertension
• Headaches
• Flu-like symptoms (chills, fever, cold sweats)
• An increased heart rate
• Nausea or diarrhea
• Numbness or tingling
• Tiredness
• Muscle aches or
• rashes

It is not known whether Epogen has any interactions with other medication, so it is important that you inform your doctor of all the drugs you are on, prescription or otherwise.