Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa
About Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa belongs to the group of hormones used in the treatment of chronic anaemia and anaemic states seen in kidney disease, cancers, patients on chemotherapy, bone marrow disorders, and those due to undergo major bone surgery. Anaemia refers to low blood counts due to a deficiency of the blood component haemoglobin, resulting in a reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa contains Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa, which works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, thereby correcting low blood counts and anaemia.
In some cases, Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa may cause specific common side effects such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and nasal congestion. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects consistently.
Please inform the doctor of your detailed medical history, including hypertension, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, epilepsy, cancer, liver disease, thromboembolism, porphyria and/or pure red cell aplasia (where the bone marrow cannot produce enough RBCs). Consult your doctor before taking Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa during pregnancy and nursing. Store this medicine at 2°C-8°C. Do not freeze.
Uses of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa
Medicinal Benefits
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa is a blood hormone. It contains Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa used to treat anaemia caused by chronic diseases and anaemia related to kidney disease, cancers, bone marrow disorders, chemotherapy, children and adults on dialysis, and in those due to undergo major bone surgery. Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. In addition, it also corrects any dysregulated erythropoiesis (RBC formation) and remedies the formation of any defunct precursors of RBC’s, paving the way for healthy red blood cell production. Clinically, Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa causes a direct increase in haemoglobin values and reduces the rates and requirement of blood transfusion.
Directions for Use
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa will be administered by a healthcare professional. In some cases, depending on the need, you may have to self-inject Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa. Do not self-inject without proper training. After an initial treatment, your doctor/nurse may train you on administering the injection.
Storage
Side Effects of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Stomach upset
- Fever
- Nasal congestion
Drug Warnings
Inform the doctor if you have an allergy to any of its components. Proceed with caution in case of a latex allergy. Please inform the doctor of your detailed medical history, including hypertension, heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, epilepsy, head and neck cancers, liver disease, thromboembolism, porphyria and/or pure red cell aplasia (where the bone marrow cannot produce enough RBCs). Inform your doctor of any medicines you may be taking especially if you are on any immunosuppressants, blood thinners or blood stimulants. Please consult your doctor before taking Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa during pregnancy and nursing.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa may interact with blood thinners (warfarin, Coumarin), immunosuppressants (cyclosporine), anti-cancer (belzutifan, carfilzomib, lenalidomide, thalidomide, pomalidomide), antihypertensives (lisinopril, perindopril, ramipril) and hormones (conestat alfa, C1 esterase inhibitor).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have hypersensitivity disorder, thromboembolism and red cell aplasia.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThere is not enough literature to explain the effects of alcohol. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor. Your doctor will weigh the benefits against the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionLet your doctor know if you are a nursing mother before taking Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa; your doctor will decide whether breastfeeding mothers can use Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa or not.
Driving
cautionIt's unclear whether Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa affects driving abilities, so don't drive or operate machinery if you're having trouble concentrating or reacting.
Liver
cautionRecombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver diseases. Please inform your doctor before receiving it.
Kidney
cautionRecombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa should be used with caution in patients suffering from kidney diseases. Please inform your doctor before receiving it.
Children
safe if prescribedRecombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa can be used in children in prescribed paediatric doses.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- As nausea and vomiting may occur using Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa, make sure to take it on light, small meals.
- To promote blood production, eat red fruits and vegetables, such as apples, pomegranates, dry fruits, beans, and nuts.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these can precipitate bleeding.
- Take care of your mental health. Stress is a huge factor that can cause excessive bleeding. Make sure you meditate daily in the morning.
- Yoga has also proven very effective in preventing excessive blood loss. The butterfly pose is one of the best poses for treating heavy periods.
- Make sure you drink a lot of water and keep yourself hydrated. Fluid intake helps flush out toxins.
Special Advise
- Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa should never be given intramuscularly.
- Do not self-inject before proper training.
- Exercise caution in case of a history of allergic disorders, a known latex allergy, or any of the components of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa.
- Please inform the doctor immediately if you notice any anaphylaxis (allergy, skin changes, difficulty in breathing, anxiety, confusion, dizziness, etc) post-injection.
- Your doctor may advise blood tests regularly to check your need and tolerance of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Anaemia: Anaemia is a condition in which there is reduced or compromised production of red blood cells, hampering the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. This results in reduced oxygen reaching the vital tissues of organs, leading to symptoms like lethargy, weakness, shortness of breath, paleness, mood changes, neuropathy etc.
FAQs
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa belongs to the group of hormones used in the treatment of chronic anaemia and anaemic states seen in kidney disease, cancers, patients on chemotherapy, bone marrow disorders and in those due to undergo major bone surgery.
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce healthy red blood cells (RBC’s) and thus enhances blood production.
Consult your doctor before taking iron supplements along with Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa as they might increase the effectiveness of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa when taken together.
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa might affect other treatments or tests. Therefore, inform the doctor/lab assistant that you are taking Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa.
Not commonly. However, cases of Steven Johnson’s syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrosis (TEN), have been reported in rare instances. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as reddish-circular patches, skin peeling, fever, flu, ulcers of throat, mouth, nose, eyes or genitals.
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa may cause blood clots (deep vein thrombosis and embolism). Consult your doctor if you experience symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, painful swelling and redness in the legs.
The common side effects of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa may include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and nasal congestion. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects consistently.
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa contains Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa. A hormone medication that stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, correcting low blood counts and anaemia.
Don't stop taking your medication just because you're feeling better! This is a crucial moment in your recovery. Stopping too soon can lead to incomplete recovery and the return of symptoms. Instead, report your progress to your doctor and follow their advice. They will guide you on how to safely taper off the medication, if necessary, monitor for any potential side effects, and ensure the infection is fully cleared.
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa is usually given to you by a healthcare professional through an Intravenous(veins). In some cases, you may need to go to a local clinic or learn to self-inject, but only after proper training from a doctor or nurse.
You can store Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa in the refrigerator or a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Do not freeze. Use at room temperature only.
Store Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa in a refrigerator or in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Keep it out of reach of children. Do not freeze it.
Taking more than the prescribed dose doesn't provide extra relief; instead, it may increase the risk of adverse effects, potentially harming your health.
Don't use Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa if the solution is expired, frozen, or allergic to it. It's also not recommended for those with hypersensitivity disorders, thromboembolism, and red cell aplasia. Pregnant or breastfeeding women or children unless the doctor suggests it. Always consult your doctor before using.
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa can be used in children under a doctor's guidance and in prescribed pediatric doses.
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa may increase blood pressure or worsen existing high blood pressure, especially in patients with kidney failure, due to the rapid increase in red blood cells. Inform your doctor beforehand if you have any blood pressure issues. Your doctor will adjust the dose if the benefits outweigh the risks.