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What Are The Side Effects Of Epoetin Alfa?

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Posted on Thu, 27 Feb 2014
Question: Just as the oncology group is aware that OTC Claritin p.o. is helpful for some patients in preventing the severe aches that may accompany a subcuatneous injection of Neulasta, is there an antidote for patients who are to recieve epoetin alfa? What are the most common ill side effects of the drug epoetin alfa?
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Answered by Dr. Kavita Paul (4 hours later)
Brief Answer: Epoetin Alfa contains Erthropoietin . Detailed Answer: Hi, I appreciate your concern. Epoetin Alfa contains Erthropoietin. It is an injectable drug used for treating anaemia. The most common side effects which I observe in my patients are fever, hypertension, nausea, vomiting , headache, rash, cough , fatigue etc. These side effects are seen in few of the patients and a generally does not require any special medications. In my experience patients on inj. Epoetin Alfa generally do well and continue to use it on long term basis. Though life threatening side effects have being reported with its use, I have never seen any in my patients. Serious adverse cardiovascular reactions and stroke have being reported ,if it is used to target haemoglobin level of greater than 11g/dl. It has to be used cautiously in patients of cancer. So it depends for what indication you want to use it. In my knowledge ,there is no available antidote for Epoetin Alfa. In case patients develop any side effects, they are treated symptomatically . Hope this helped. Dr.Kavita Paul
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Dr. Kavita Paul

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Practicing since :2007

Answered : 206 Questions

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What Are The Side Effects Of Epoetin Alfa?

Brief Answer: Epoetin Alfa contains Erthropoietin . Detailed Answer: Hi, I appreciate your concern. Epoetin Alfa contains Erthropoietin. It is an injectable drug used for treating anaemia. The most common side effects which I observe in my patients are fever, hypertension, nausea, vomiting , headache, rash, cough , fatigue etc. These side effects are seen in few of the patients and a generally does not require any special medications. In my experience patients on inj. Epoetin Alfa generally do well and continue to use it on long term basis. Though life threatening side effects have being reported with its use, I have never seen any in my patients. Serious adverse cardiovascular reactions and stroke have being reported ,if it is used to target haemoglobin level of greater than 11g/dl. It has to be used cautiously in patients of cancer. So it depends for what indication you want to use it. In my knowledge ,there is no available antidote for Epoetin Alfa. In case patients develop any side effects, they are treated symptomatically . Hope this helped. Dr.Kavita Paul