Epoetin Alfa Shots

• Epoetin Alfa

Epoetin alfa is a medicine that is used to treat anemia due to chemotherapy, renal failure, or zidovudine. This eMedTV page explains how epoetin alfa works and offers more details on the drug's effects, dosing information, and possible side effects.

• Side Effects of Epoetin Alfa

Common side effects of epoetin alfa may include constipation, insomnia, and nausea. As this eMedTV article explains, while most side effects of the drug are mild, some may require medical attention, such as seizures, hypertension, or arrhythmia.

• What Is Epoetin Alfa Used For?

Epoetin alfa is used for treating anemia caused by renal failure, chemotherapy, or zidovudine (an HIV drug). This eMedTV resource describes these epoetin alfa uses in more detail and explains whether the medicine can be used in children.

• Epoetin Alfa Dosing

The usual epoetin alfa dose for anemia due to kidney failure is 50 to 100 units per kg three times a week. This eMedTV Web page also provides epoetin alfa dosing guidelines for the treatment of anemia due to chemotherapy and zidovudine (an HIV drug).

• Drug Interactions With Epoetin Alfa

At this time, it is not known whether other medicines will interact negatively with epoetin alfa. As this eMedTV page explains, however, it is important to know that no studies have been conducted to check for drug interactions with epoetin alfa.

• Precautions and Warnings With Epoetin Alfa

In clinical studies, some people who took epoetin alfa experienced seizures. This eMedTV segment lists other precautions and warnings with epoetin alfa that people should be aware of, including a list of those who should not take the drug.