What should you check before administering epoetin alfa?

What should you check before administering epoetin alfa?

It is very important that your doctor check the blood of you or your child on a regular basis while you are using this medicine. You may also need to monitor your blood pressure at home. If you notice any changes to your recommended blood pressure, call your doctor right away. .

What are the contraindications of epoetin alfa?

Epoetin alfa is contraindicated in patients with serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic reactions, angioedema, bronchospasm, skin rash, and urticaria, to the product. Immediately and permanently discontinue epoetin alfa and administer appropriate therapy if a hypersensitivity reaction occurs.

What should be monitored when taking epoetin?

Monitoring and Testing While Taking Epoetin Alfa You will be monitored regularly by your doctor while you are taking epoetin alfa. Tests will include blood tests (specifically hemoglobin and hematocrit) and blood pressure measurements.

When should epoetin alfa be stopped?

After 8 weeks of therapy, if there is no response as measured by hemoglobin levels or if RBC transfusions are still required, discontinue Epogen.

How do you administer darbepoetin?

Darbepoetin alfa injection comes as a solution (liquid) to inject subcutaneously (just under the skin) or intravenously (into a vein). It is usually injected once every 1 to 4 weeks. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

When do you give darbepoetin?

What is the mechanism of action of darbepoetin alfa?

Mechanism of action Darbepoetin alfa binds to the erythropoietin receptor on erythroid progenitor cells, stimulating RBC production and differentiation.

What lab values should be monitored with epoetin alfa?

How is darbepoetin alfa used to treat anemia?

Your doctor will adjust your dose of darbepoetin alfa injection so that your hemoglobin level (amount of a protein found in red blood cells) is just high enough that you do not need a red blood cell transfusion (transfer of one person’s red blood cells to another person’s body to treat severe anemia).

How does darbepoetin alfa affect cancer?

In clinical studies, people with certain cancers who received darbepoetin alfa injection died sooner or experienced tumor growth, a return of their cancer, or cancer that spread sooner than people who did not receive the medication. If you have cancer, you should receive the lowest possible dose of darbepoetin alfa injection.

Is darbepoetin alfa safe for patients with chronic kidney disease?

Increased risk of death, serious cardiovascular events, and stroke reported in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving therapy with darbepoetin alfa or other erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) targeted to hemoglobin concentrations >11 g/dL in controlled clinical studies.

When should I tell my doctor I am using darbepoetin alfa?

It is especially important to tell your doctor that you are using darbepoetin alfa injection if you are having coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or surgery to treat a bone problem. Your doctor may prescribe an anticoagulant (‘blood thinner’) to prevent clots from forming during surgery.