What are the most common side effects of Epoetin Alfa?

Reported side effects vary by individual. The side-effects section on this page lists the events most frequently reported to FDA FAERS for Epoetin Alfa. FAERS is voluntary reporting, so it reflects what was reported, not absolute incidence.

Is Epoetin Alfa the same as Epogen?

Epogen is a brand name for Epoetin Alfa. They share the same active ingredient and FDA-approved indications. Biosimilars and authorised generics may differ in inactive ingredients such as buffers or preservatives.

Epoetin Alfa

Q: What is Epoetin Alfa used for?

Epoetin Alfa (brand name Epogen) is a Other indicated for and upon initiation, there is a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy ( 1.3 ). Reduction of allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in patients undergoing elective, noncardiac.

Q: How does Epoetin Alfa work?

Epoetin Alfa works through the following mechanism: 12.1 Mechanism of Action Epogen stimulates erythropoiesis by the same mechanism as endogenous erythropoietin..

Other

Brand names: Epogen

Intravenous, Subcutaneous

Mechanism of Action

12.1 Mechanism of Action Epogen stimulates erythropoiesis by the same mechanism as endogenous erythropoietin.

Indications

and upon initiation

there is a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy ( 1.3 ). Reduction of allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in patients undergoing elective

noncardiac

nonvascular surgery ( 1.4 ). Limitations of Use Epogen has not been shown to improve quality of life

fatigue

or patient well-being ( 1.5 ). Epogen is not indicated for use: In patients with cancer receiving hormonal agents

Contraindications

• infants
• pregnant women
• and lactating women [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )
• Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1
• 8.2

FDA Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Increased Mortality, Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, and Thromboembolism: Using ESAs to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL increases the risk of serious adverse cardiovascular reactions and has not been shown to provide additional benefit ( 5
Increased Mortality and/or Increased Risk of Tumor Progression or Recurrence in Patients with Cancer ( 5
Seizures: Epogen increases the risk for seizures in patients with CKD ( 5
Serious Allergic Reactions: Discontinue Epogen and manage reactions ( 5

Known Side Effects

7 documented side effects by frequency

Shortness of Breath

1-10%

Nausea

1-10%

Vomiting

1-10%

Itching

1-10%

Diarrhea

0.1-1%

Low Blood Pressure

0.1-1%

Weakness

0.1-1%

Community Discussions

No community discussions found for Epoetin Alfa yet.

Primary sources

Every figure on this page links back to its primary source. See data sources for full provenance.

DailyMed FDA label search → Epoetin Alfa openFDA label JSON → Epoetin Alfa FAERS adverse-event reports → Epoetin Alfa ClinicalTrials.gov → completed Phase 2+ trials of Epoetin Alfa

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Formulations

Dosage Forms

Tablet

Route

Intravenous, Subcutaneous