Eprex: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Use

What is Eprex for?

Eprex is a drug that contains synthetic erythropoietin or epoetin alfa. Epoetin alfa is an artificial protein that is used to replace or increase the amount of natural protein. With this protein, it can increase the production of red blood cells.

The way this synthetic protein works is by stimulating the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Therefore, this drug belongs to the class of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).

Eprex is used to treat several anemia conditions that are only caused by conditions such as the following:

the use of zidovudine drugs, namely drugs to treat HIV
chronic kidney failure, so that the kidneys do not function slowly
pre and post surgery, where people generally lose a lot of blood while undergoing surgery
chemotherapy

Medicines in liquid form include prescription drugs, which are drugs that you can only get at a pharmacy or drugstore if accompanied by a prescription from a doctor.

How do you use eprex?

The following are things that you should pay attention to while using Eprex, including:

Eprex is used by injection, it can be injected directly into the skin or through an IV line that has been attached.
Before injecting Eprex liquid, make sure there are no discolorations and that there are no small particles in the liquid medicine.
Do not shake the injection bottle, as this can make the medicine ineffective when used to treat your condition.
Your doctor will determine the right dose according to your condition.
It is recommended that the first injection or injection be given by a doctor or other medical professional.
After that, if your doctor thinks that you may be able to inject the drug independently, you can do it yourself at home. But make sure to see the doctor which method is most appropriate for your condition, whether using a regular syringe or using an IV needle.
If you have anemia due to kidney failure, this drug should be given through an IV needle through a vein.
This drug is usually not combined with other drugs.
Follow the instructions given by the doctor during the use of these drugs.
Have regular blood tests while using Eprex to find out how your body responds to this drug.
Your doctor should continue to monitor your blood pressure regularly, especially before each injection into your body.

How do I save Eprex?

Eprex should be stored at a temperature of 2-8 degrees Celsius in the refrigerator. But don't freeze it in the freezer. Avoid this drug from direct sunlight.

Before use, remove Eprex from the refrigerator and leave this medication at room temperature, but do not leave it out for more than 7 days. Keep these medicines out of reach of children.

Do not store Eprex in the bathroom or near sinks and water sources. Do not leave liquid medicine in the car or near the window. Heat and humidity can destroy medicines including Eprex.

When not in use, do not flush Eprex down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist about how to safely dispose of your product so as not to pollute the environment.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Eprex for adults?

Adult dosage to treat anemia due to chronic renal failure

Initial dose: 50-100 units / kilogram of body weight, injected three times a week.

Adult dosage to treat anemia due to the use of HIV drugs

Initial dose: 100 units / kilogram of body weight injected 3 times a week.

Adult dosage for chemotherapy-induced anemia

Initial dose: 150 units / kilogram of body weight, injected directly through the skin three times a week or 40,000 units once a week.

Adult dosage for anemia before surgery

300 units / kilogram of body weight are injected directly into the skin once a day for 10 days before surgery, on the day of surgery, and 4 days after surgery.

This drug can also be given in a dose of 600 units / kilogram body weight injected directly into the skin on 21 days, 14 days, and 7 days before surgery, and on the day H.

What is the dose of Eprex for children?

Children's dosage for anemia due to chronic renal failure

Initial dose: 50 units / kilogram of body weight injected three times a week.

In what dosages is Eprex available?

This drug is available in various sizes, namely:

1000 IU / 0.5 milliliter
3000 IU / 0.3 milliliter
4000 IU / 0.4 milliliter
5000 IU / 0.5 milliliter
6000 IU /0.6 milliliter
8000 IU / 0.8 milliliter
10000 IU / 1.0 milliliter
20000 IU / 0.5 milliliter
30000 IU / 0.75 milliliter

Side effects

What are the side effects of using Eprex drugs?

As with other medicines, Eprex also has a risk of side effects. There are some serious side effects that may require medical treatment. Tell your doctor if you have some serious problems such as:

nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
cough, runny nose, and sore throat
dizziness, drowsiness, fever, chills, heavy head, sore muscles and joints
the area of the skin that was injected is red, feels a burning sensation, or is sore.

Apart from that, there are also serious side effects that may occur. Get medical help right away if you experience side effects such as:

the head feels sick, dizzy, and wants to break
epilepsy symptoms such as seizures and feeling confused
blood pressure increases, so you may need to adjust the dosage of the medicines you are taking to treat high blood pressure
chest tightness and difficulty breathing
the calf hurts
skin rash in the eye area
allergic reactions such as itching, shortness of breath, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and other parts of your body.
suddenly feel tired and dizzy for no reason

Warnings & Precautions

What to know before using Eprex?

Tell your doctor if you have certain health conditions, such as:
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- cancer
- anemia due to iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, or other anemia
- liver disorders
- uric acid
- pigment disorders
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, and are breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you have used Eprex or other synthetic epoetin alfa but it has not had any impact on your condition.
Your doctor will give you advice on whether you should use this drug or not and your doctor may need to adjust the dose according to your condition.

Is Eprex safe for use by pregnant and lactating women?

It is still not known whether Eprex is good for pregnant women or not. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks of using the drug before deciding to use it.

Interaction

What medicines can interact with Eprex?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this article.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

There are several types of drugs that can interact with Eprex, the most common of which are:

benazepril
captopril
alpha conestat
fosinopril
lenalidomide
moexipril
perindopril
quinapril
ramipril
thalidomide

What foods and alcohol can interact with eprex?

Certain medications should not be consumed at mealtimes or when eating certain types of food because interactions may occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco-derived products with certain drugs can also cause interactions. Discuss with your health care professional the use of drugs with food, alcohol, or products derived from tobacco.

What are some health conditions that can interact with eprex?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. To avoid unwanted conditions, tell your doctor in advance if you have other health problems, especially the following conditions:

seizures
hemodialysis, or dialysis
hypertension, or high blood pressure
porphyria, namely genetic disorders

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department. Do this even if you don't have any uncomfortable symptoms or such as poisoning.