Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease is an illness that causes fluid-filled cysts to develop in the kidneys. As this eMedTV resource explains, it can lead to kidney failure. This page provides information on causes, symptoms, treatment options, and more.
Epogen
Epogen is a prescription drug used to treat anemia due to chemotherapy, renal failure, or zidovudine. This eMedTV Web page discusses in detail other Epogen uses, explains how the medication works, and offers general dosing information.
Polycystic Kidney Disease Symptoms
Possible signs and symptoms of polycystic kidney disease include back pain, high blood pressure, and kidney stones. This eMedTV page lists symptoms for all three types of the disease and explains what to do if you are having symptoms.
Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease
Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease is a rare and often fatal condition. This page from the eMedTV library describes this condition with detail, including information on symptoms, treatment options, diagnosis, and more.
Polycystic Kidney Disease Diet
This eMedTV article explains that despite some promising findings from previous animal studies, there is currently no polycystic kidney disease diet that has been shown to affect how many cysts develop or how large they become.
Polycystic Kidney Disease Causes
Typically, polycystic kidney disease is caused by mutations in the PKD1, PKD2, or PKHD1 genes. This part of the eMedTV archives highlights the different possible causes for each type of polycystic kidney disease, including noninherited forms.
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is a condition that causes cysts to grow in the kidneys. This eMedTV page explains the gene mutation that causes autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, and also discusses symptoms and treatment options.
Polycystic Kidney Disease Treatment
As this eMedTV Web page explains, polycystic kidney disease treatment focuses on treating the disease's symptoms and complications, and can include medicine and surgery to reduce pain; antibiotics to treat infections; and kidney transplantation.
Epogen and Breastfeeding
At this time, it is not known if Epogen is safe for pregnant women. This eMedTV Web page discusses Epogen and breastfeeding in more detail, including information on why the drug isn't likely to cause problems even if it does pass through breast milk.
Epogen and Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a side effect that may occur with the use of Epogen. This article from the eMedTV Web site further explores the link between Epogen and diarrhea, and explains when you should report diarrhea to your healthcare provider.
Epogen and Pregnancy
At this time, the risks of using Epogen during pregnancy are not fully understood. This page of the eMedTV library offers more information on Epogen and pregnancy, and explains what problems were seen when the drug was given to pregnant animals.
Epogen Dosage
Epogen dosing is usually determined by weight. As this eMedTV page explains, the suggested dose for treating anemia due to kidney failure is 50 to 100 units per kg three times a week. Other Epogen dosage guidelines are also listed in this article.
Epogen Drug Interactions
At this time, no studies have been conducted to check for Epogen drug interactions. As this eMedTV article explains, although there are currently no known drug interactions, it does not mean that Epogen will not interact with other medicines.
Epogen Overdose
Strokes, blood clots, or heart attacks could occur as a result of an Epogen overdose. This section of the eMedTV Web site lists other complications that may develop from taking too much Epogen. Overdose treatment options are also listed on this page.
Epogen Side Effects
Infections, fever, and constipation are some of the most commonly reported Epogen side effects. This eMedTV resource explains what other side effects may occur with Epogen and lists potentially serious problems that should be reported to a doctor.
Epogen Uses
Epogen is used for treating anemia due to chemotherapy, chronic kidney failure, or zidovudine (an HIV drug). This eMedTV article further explains what the medication is used for, including possible "off-label" Epogen uses.
Epogen Warnings and Precautions
Epogen can accelerate the worsening of cancer and may shorten survival. This eMedTV article contains more Epogen warnings and precautions, including information on who should not take the drug and a list of possible side effects that may occur.
