Retacrit

Generic name:epoetin alfa [ e-POE-e-tin-AL-fa ]
Brand names: Epogen, Procrit, Retacrit
Drug class:Recombinant human erythropoietins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 23, 2020. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Retacrit?

Retacrit is a man-made form of a protein that helps your body produce red blood cells. This protein may be reduced when you have kidney failure or use certain medications. When fewer red blood cells are produced, you can develop a condition called anemia.

Retacrit is used to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy in adults and children at least 5 years old.

Retacrit is also used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease in adults and children at least 1 month old.

Retacrit is also used to treat anemia in adults taking zidovudine to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

Retacrit is also used to reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions in adults having certain types of surgery.

Retacrit may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Retacrit can cause serious side effects, including heart attack or stroke. Retacrit may also speed up tumor growth, or shorten remission or survival time in some people. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

You should not use this medicine if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, or if you have ever had pure red cell aplasia (PRCA, a type o...