Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 1, 2022.
ESAs increase the risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism, thrombosis of vascular access, and tumor progression or recurrence.Chronic Kidney Disease:In controlled trials, patients experienced greater risks for death, serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, and stroke when administered erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to target a hemoglobin level greater than 11 g/dL.No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, ESA dose, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks.Use the lowest epoetin alfa-epbx dose sufficient to reduce the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions.Cancer:ESAs shortened overall survival and/or increased the risk of tumor progression or recurrence in clinical studies of patients with breast, non-small cell lung, head and neck, lymphoid, and cervical cancers.To decrease these risks, as well as the risk of serious cardiovascular and thromboembolic reactions, use the lowest dose needed to avoid RBC transfusions.Use ESAs only for anemia from myelosuppressive chemotherapy.ESAs are not indicated for patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure.Discontinue following the completion of a chemotherapy course.Perisurgery:Due to increased risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), DVT prophylaxis is recommended .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Retacrit
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Hematopoietic
Pharmacologic Class: Epoetin Alfa
Uses for epoetin alfa-epbx
Epoetin alfa-epbx injection causes the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. If the body does not produce enough red blood cells, severe anemia can occur. This often occurs in people with chronic kidney failure whose kidneys are not working properly. Epoetin alfa-epbx may be used for patients on kidney dialysis or for those not on dialysis. Anemia can also occur in people who are receiving cancer treatment to treat cancer or in patients with HIV who are receiving zidovudine. Epoetin alfa-epbx is used to treat severe anemia in these patients.
Epoetin alfa-epbx injection is also used to lessen or avoid th..
