Epoetin alfa, under such brand names as Epogen and Procrit, is a prescription-level injectable synthetic erythropoietin (EPO) that helps human bones produce red blood cells. This treatment may be necessary in those patients who suffer from anemia. EPO occurs in the body, primarily from the kidneys, and helps the marrow in bones create red blood cells. Epoetin alfa also may be prescribed for anemia produced by such things as surgery, chemotherapy and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Non-serious Side Effects
When you start taking epoetin alfa, you may experience temporary side effects. These generally are not serious unless they persist past the initial stages of taking the epoetin alfa injections. If they do continue or if you are annoyed by them, tell your doctor. These types of side effects include losing weight, abdominal swelling, stomach pain, upset or discomfort in the stomach, pain in the joints and bones, pain in the skin, pain in the muscles, vomiting, shivering, nausea, chills, bodily weakness, unusual sweating, decreased strength, constipation, decreased energy levels, dizziness, injection site stinging or itching, tiredness, insomnia, indigestion or belching.
Serious Common Side Effects
Some serious side effects of epoetin alfa occur in more people than other side effects. Serious side effects from Epogen or Procrit must be reported to a doctor as soon as possible. They include gaining weight, pain in the chest, facial swelling, fevers, swelling in the fingers, headaches, swelling in the ankles or lower legs, hypertension or high blood pressure and swelling in the feet.
Rare Serious Side effects
While these types of side effects don't occur in every patient who is injected with epoetin alfa, when they do occur, they are serious. Medical attention should be sought immediately. Rare side effects include anxiety, severe weakness in one body side in the leg or arm, nausea, difficulty seeing, vomiting, arm pain, jaw pain, neck pain, back pain, uncommon bruising and bleeding, skin paleness, temporary blindness, skin discoloration, convulsions, diplopia (double vision), speech slurring, a cough, dizziness, hives or a rash, migraines, rapid heartbeat, fainting, sudden clumsiness, severe, sudden inability to speak, one eye goes blind, chest pain, groin pain or discomfort at the injection site such as pain, tenderness, warmth, swelling or discoloration. A warning also has been posted by RxList.com and the National Institute of Health about the possibility of progression of tumor development and death as possible effects of taking Epogen.
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