Eprex

Eprex Warnings

epoetin alfa

Manufacturer:

Janssen-Cilag

Distributor:

DKSH
Full Prescribing Info
Warnings
Anemia of Chronic Renal Failure: If hypertension develops, fluid overload should be excluded and treatment with antihypertensive drugs, preferably peripheral vasodilators, should be prescribed before reduction of dry weight. Reduction of dry weight may lead to a further rise in hematocrit and viscosity.
Phlebotomy may be considered in individual patients, especially if the Hb is >12 g/dL or has risen in excess of 2 g/dL/month. If an episode of acute hypertension occurs with or without encephalopathy, r-HuEPO should be stopped (Hb concentration will subsequently decrease by approximately 0.4 g/dL weekly).
EEG and CT-scan are considered useful to rule out causes of seizures and may be performed and repeated as necessary. r-HuEPO should be re-introduced only with close monitoring of Hb and blood pressure until the Hb is stabilized in the range of 10-12 g/dL.
AZT-Treated HIV-Infected Patients: There is no evidence to suggest that r-HuEPO therapy is associated with an increased incidence or risk of hypertension in AZT-treated HIV-infected patients.
Seizures have been reported in AZT-treated HIV-infected patients treated with r-HuEPO, but were probably related to underlying pathology eg, meningitis or cerebral neoplasms.
Two HIV-infected patients had urticarial reactions within 48 hrs of their first exposure to study medication. One patient was treated with r-HuEPO alone and one patient with vehicle solution alone. Both patients had positive immediate skin tests against their study medication. The basis for this apparent preexisting hypersensitivity to components of the r-HuEPO formulation is unknown, but may be related to HIV-induced immunosuppression and prior exposure to blood products.
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