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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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, like other "biologic" medications, is not allowed to be manufactured in generic form. This eMedTV segment describes the rules and laws that biologic medications are under and explains the only way that generic Epogen products could be made.
