Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection

Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml 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. Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml 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 Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection you should tell your doctor if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, or gout (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 chronic kidney disease
Treatment of Anemia due to cancer chemotherapy

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

Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml 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.

If you miss a dose of Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection, please consult your doctor.

Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection helps in the treatment of anemia that may have occurred due to chronic kidney disease or cancer chemotherapy.

It is given as a single injection under your skin.

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 Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection and inform your doctor if you develop shortness of breath or skin rash.

Q. How should Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml 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, it is important that the pre-filled syringe is stored in your refrigerator. Do not store it in the freezer. Allow the pre-filled syringe to reach room temperature prior to using it. This usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes. Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml 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.

Q. What to do if you use too much Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection?

Tell the doctor or nurse immediately if you think too much Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection has been injected.

Q. When should Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection not be used?

Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection should not be used if the solution is clouded or 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 Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection be used in children?

Yes, Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection is used to treat anemia caused due to chronic kidney disease in children who are above 1 year of age. The effectiveness of Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection and side effects seen in children are similar to adults.

Q. Can Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection affect blood pressure?

Yes, Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection can affect blood pressure. During initial therapy with Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml 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 Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection if the blood pressure remains uncontrolled.

In Treatment of Anemia due to chronic kidney disease

Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection is a man-made protein that helps your bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. It is used to treat anemia which is caused by kidney disease in adults and children who are on dialysis. Anemia is a condition where your body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body. This medicine helps reduce weakness and tiredness that you may be experiencing due to anemia. The injection is usually given by a doctor after a dialysis treatment.

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. Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml 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.show moreshow less

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Flu-like symptoms

Vomiting

Fever

Nausea

High blood pressure

Alcohol:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml 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:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

Driving:UNSAFE

Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.

Kidney:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection is recommended.Regular monitoring of kidney function tests is advised while the patient is taking this medicine.

Liver:CAUTION

Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Eprex 40000IU/0.4ml Injection may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

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Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 479-81. view

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Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa/Epoetin Alfa. Leiden, Netherlands: Janssen Biologics B.V; . view

Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa/Epoetin Alfa. Amgen Inc; 1989 . view