Doctors may inject the synthetic medication epoetin alfa into patients who need help with red blood cell production. The medication, sold under two brand names in the United States including Procrit, works to cause bone marrow stimulation, which helps produce red blood cells. Procrit mimics the natural human substance called erythropoeitin, or EPO, MayoClinic.com reports. The medication may help people suffering from anemia.
High Blood Pressure
Taking the Procrit injection can cause some potentially serious side effects in the person, MayoClinic.com reports. The medicine can, for example, cause the person to develop high blood pressure if it produces too many red blood cells. This can cause another serious side effect, pain in the chest. Both of these problems require immediate notification for the doctor prescribing it because it may mean serious medical problems exist from the use of the medication.
Breathing Problems
Procrit can induce a serious side effect in the respiratory system. MayoClinic.com indicates the medicine can cause the person taking it to become short of breath. This means the person finds it difficult to get enough air into his lungs for comfortable breathing. This side effect needs to be reported to the doctor immediately.
Edema
The use of Procrit injections may cause the person to experience problems with edema or a build-up of fluid that causes swelling. In this case, MayoClinic.com reports, the swelling may occur in the person's legs and feet, in the fingers and in the face. These side effects, too, need immediate medical attention.
Aches
Less serious Procrit side effects include aches in the body. The medication can cause some pain to occur in the person's muscles or in the joints, Drugs.com indicates. The existence of aches in either the muscles or joints classifies as non-serious and should vanish without the aid of a medical professional. The patient should talk to the doctor if the aches feel severe or if they do not end as the body adjusts to Procrit. The medication also may cause headaches, which MayoClinic.com classifies as serious side effects requiring medical attention.
Fever
The person using Procrit may develop an infection, MedlinePlus indicates. The fever may include chills, throat soreness and coughing. Any sign of infection needs immediate medical aid when it occurs while taking the medication. The occurrence of a fever can mean serious medical problems exist.
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