Epofer Injection

Epofer Injection is a medicine that helps your bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. It is used to treat a type of anemia caused by kidney disease. It is also used to treat anemia caused by cancer chemotherapy and by medicines to treat HIV.

Epofer Injection is given by injection either under the skin or into a vein, which will be decided by your doctor. Usually, the injections are given by a nurse or doctor. The dose depends on your body weight and the cause of your anemia. Iron supplements both before and during treatment may make this treatment more effective. Epofer Injection needs to be stored in a fridge but used at room temperature.

The most common side effects of taking this medicine include nausea, vomiting, fever, and increased blood pressure. It may also cause flu-like symptoms such as headache, tiredness, dizziness, and aches and pains. These side effects are most common at the start of treatment, but if they persist, your doctor may be able to suggest ways of preventing or reducing them. Tell your doctor straight away if you get any serious side effects, including seizures (fits). Sometimes, this medicine can cause serious blood clots that need urgent medical attention.

Before using Epofer Injection, you should tell your doctor if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, or gout (a disease of joint pain). You should also tell him/her what other medicines you are taking in case they affect this treatment. Your blood pressure should be checked often during this treatment by you or your doctor. You may also need other regular medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Treatment of Anemia due to cancer chemotherapy

Treatment of Anemia due to chronic kidney disease

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Epofer Injection is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA). It works by stimulating the bone marrow (soft tissue inside the bones which produces red blood cells) to produce more red blood cells.

Q: What if you forget to take Epofer Injection?
A: If you miss a dose of Epofer Injection, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Your doctor may get your blood tests done regularly to monitor the levels of hemoglobin, blood cells, and electrolytes such as potassium in your blood.

Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms of very high blood pressure, such as severe headache, problems with your eyesight, nausea, vomiting, or fits (seizures).

Stop taking Epofer Injection and inform your doctor if you develop shortness of breath or a skin rash.

Q. What to do if you use too much Epofer Injection?

Tell the doctor or nurse immediately if you think too much Epofer Injection has been injected.

Q. When should Epofer Injection not be used?

Epofer Injection should not be used if the solution is cloudy, or if you can see particles floating in it, or if the medicine has expired. Refer to the expiry date on the label. You should also not use the medicine if you know or think that it may have been accidentally frozen or if there has been a refrigerator failure.

Q. Can Epofer Injection be used in children?

Yes, Epofer Injection is used to treat anemia caused due to chronic kidney disease in children who are above 1 year of age. The effectiveness of Epofer Injection and side effects seen in children are similar to adults.

Q. Can Epofer Injection affect blood pressure?

Yes, Epofer Injection can affect blood pressure. During initial therapy with Epofer Injection, blood pressure should be monitored, and those who have high blood pressure should take appropriate measures to control blood pressure. Your doctor may stop Epofer Injection if the blood pressure remains uncontrolled.

Q. How should Epofer Injection be stored?

In the hospital, pre-filled syringes are stored unopened in a refrigerator between 2 and 8?. If you are using this medicine at home, the pre-filled syringe must be stored in your refrigerator. Do not store it in the freezer. Allow the pre-filled syringe to reach room temperature before using it. This usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes. Epofer Injection pre-filled syringes that are being used or about to be used can be kept at room temperature (not above 25°C) for a maximum single period of 7 days. Keep these pre-filled syringes away from children and protected from light.

In Treatment of Anemia due to cancer chemotherapy

Anemia is a condition where your body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body. Epofer Injection is a man-made protein that works by stimulating the bone marrow (soft tissue inside the bones) to produce more red blood cells. The natural human form of this protein may be reduced when you are having chemotherapy to treat some types of cancer. An injection of the medicine can reduce the need to have a blood transfusion. You may also be given iron supplements to make the treatment more effective.

Muscle spasm

Dizziness

Vascular occlusion

Injection site irritation

Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth)

Weight loss

Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes)

Increased glucose level in blood

Blood clot in the blood vessels

High blood pressure

Nausea

Vomiting

Fever

Rash

Joint pain

Headache

Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)

Chills

Alcohol:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Epofer Injection. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Epofer Injection may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Epofer Injection is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

Driving:UNSAFE

Epofer Injection may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.

Kidney:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Epofer Injection is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Epofer Injection is recommended.Regular monitoring of kidney function tests is advised while the patient is taking this medicine.

Liver:CAUTION

Epofer Injection should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Epofer Injection may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

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