Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa
About
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa belongs to the group of hormones used in the treatment of chronic anaemia and anaemic states seen in kidney disease, cancers, patients on chemotherapy, bone marrow disorders and in those due to undergo major bone surgery. Anaemia refers to low blood counts due to a deficiency of blood component haemoglobin, resulting in a reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa contains Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa that works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, thereby correcting any low blood counts and anaemia.
In some cases, Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa may cause certain common side effects such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and nasal congestion. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects consistently.
Please inform the doctor of your detailed medical history including hypertension, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, epilepsy, cancer, liver disease, thromboembolism, porphyria and/or pure red cell aplasia (where the bone marrow cannot produce enough RBC’s). Consult your doctor before taking Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa during pregnancy and nursing.
Uses of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa
Medicinal Benefits
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa is a blood hormone. It contains Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa used to treat anaemia caused by chronic diseases and anaemia related to kidney disease, cancers, bone marrow disorders, chemotherapy, children and adults on dialysis, and in those due to undergo major bone surgery. Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. In addition, it also corrects any dysregulated erythropoiesis (RBC formation) and remedies the formation of any defunct precursors of RBC’s, paving the way for healthy red blood cell production. Clinically, Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa causes a direct increase in haemoglobin values and reduces the rates and requirement of blood transfusion.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Stomach upset
- Fever
- Nasal congestion
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform the doctor in case of an allergy to any of its components. Proceed with caution in case of a latex allergy. Please inform the doctor of your detailed medical history including hypertension, heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, epilepsy, head and neck cancers, liver disease, thromboembolism, porphyria and/or pure red cell aplasia (where the bone marrow cannot produce enough RBC’s). Inform your doctor of any medicines you may be taking especially if you are on any immunosuppressants, blood thinners or blood stimulants. Please consult your doctor before taking Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa during pregnancy and nursing.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa may interact with blood thinners (warfarin, Coumarin), immunosuppressants (cyclosporine), anti-cancer (belzutifan, carfilzomib, lenalidomide, thalidomide, pomalidomide), antihypertensives (lisinopril, perindopril, ramipril) and hormones (conestat alfa, C1 esterase inhibitor).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have hypersensitivity disorder, thromboembolism and red cell aplasia.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThere is not enough literature to explain the effects of alcohol. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionThere is not enough literature to explain the effects of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa on pregnancy. Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa may be used in pregnancy but it is important to consult your doctor.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is not enough literature to explain the effects of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa on breastfeeding mothers. Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa may be used in breastfeeding but it is important to consult your doctor.
Driving
cautionThere is not enough literature to explain the effects of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa on driving. Do not drive if you experience any side-effects that alter your thinking ability or concentration.
Liver
cautionExercise caution before using Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa in case of liver disease. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Kidney
cautionExercise caution before using Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa in case of kidney disease. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Children
safe if prescribedRecombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa can be used in children in prescribed paediatric doses.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- As nausea and vomiting may occur with the use of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa, make sure to take it on light, small meals.
- Load up on red fruits and vegetables like apples, pomegranate, dry fruits, beans and nuts to promote blood production.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these can precipitate bleeding.
- Take care of your mental health. Stress is a huge factor that can cause excessive bleeding. Make sure you meditate in the morning daily.
- Yoga has also proven very effective in preventing excessive blood loss. The butterfly pose is one of the best poses for treating heavy periods.
- Make sure you drink a lot of water and keep yourself hydrated. Fluid intake helps flush out toxins.
Special Advise
- Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa should never be given intramuscularly.
- Do not self-inject before proper training.
- Exercise caution in case of a history of allergic disorders or a known allergy to latex, or any of the components of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa.
- Please inform the doctor immediately if you notice any anaphylaxis (allergy, skin changes, difficulty in breathing, anxiety, confusion, dizziness etc) post-injection.
- Your doctor may advise blood tests regularly to check your need and tolerance of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Anaemia: Anaemia is a condition in which there is reduced or compromised production of red blood cells, hampering the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. This results in reduced oxygen reaching the vital tissues of organs, leading to symptoms like lethargy, weakness, shortness of breath, paleness, mood changes, neuropathy etc.
FAQs
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce healthy red blood cells (RBC’s) and thus enhances blood production.
Consult your doctor before taking iron supplements along with Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa as they might increase the effectiveness of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa when taken together.
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa might affect other treatments or tests. Therefore, inform the doctor/lab assistant that you are taking Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa.
Not commonly. However, cases of Steven Johnson’s syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrosis (TEN), have been reported in rare instances. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as reddish-circular patches, skin peeling, fever, flu, ulcers of throat, mouth, nose, eyes or genitals.
Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa may cause blood clots (deep vein thrombosis and embolism). Consult your doctor if you experience symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, painful swelling and redness in the legs.
