Erythropoietin is a type of protein that occurs naturally in the body. EPOETIN ALFA is a man-made form of erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells. Our red blood cells contain haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body. If your haemoglobin level falls too low after treatment with certain types of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, your doctor may recommend a course of erythropoietin.

Appearance :
It is a colourless fluid in a small glass bottle or a pre-filled syringe.

Uses

• It stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells.
• It is sometimes given as an alternative to a blood transfusion.

How to use \ dosage ?
Erythropoietin is normally given by an injection under the skin (subcutaneously), most often in the thigh or abdomen. It can be given from once a day, to one injection every three weeks, depending on the type of erythropoietin used and on advice from your doctor. Follow the directions exactly. Do not shake the solution before you withdraw a dose.

Safety tips
Your consultant must know if you have the following conditions :

• Serious high blood pressure patients beyond control
• Hypertensive encephalopathy is there
• Leukemia
• Heart disease, such as angina or heart failure
• Enlarged spleen
• Over-active parathyroid gland
• Sickle cell disease
• Breast-feeding
• Cystic fibrosis

Common side effects
Effects are

• Weakness
• Flu like symptoms
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Skin irritation at the injection site
• Poor appetite
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chest pain

Brands