Colony Stimulating Factor/Recombinant Human Erythropoietin.
Mechanism of Action
This medication is used to treat anemia. Anemia is a condition that results from a low number of red blood cells. Erythropoeitin treats anemia associated with HIV infection, AZT therapy, cancer chemotherapy or chronic kidney failure. Erythropoietin is a natural hormone secreted by the kidneys to stimulate the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Recombinant EPO is the synthetic version of this hormone. Recombinant EPO greatly resembles the body’s natural version of the hormone erythropoietin, so it is generally well tolerated by the human body.
Dosage Regimens
| Condition | Information | Dosage |
Anemia due to HIV infection, AZT therapy, cancer chemotherapy or chronic kidney failure |
Administered by subcutaneous or intravenous injection |
Initial: 50-150 units/kg 3 times weekly for 8-12 weeks |
Common Side Effects
- Elevation in blood pressure
- Rash
- Flu-like symptoms (usually appears within 1.5 to 2 hours after starting treatment and may last from 2 to 12 hours).
Patient Instructions
- Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not keep this medicine in the refrigerator or freezer.
- If you forget to take your medicine or miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine on schedule. DO NOT take extra medicine to make up for missed doses.
- You should not receive the injection form of this medication if you are allergic to cyclosporine, castor oil, or Cremophor® EL.
- Do not take this medication if you are breastfeeding.
