Epoetin Alfa Side Effects and Warnings

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have porphyria, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you have seizures, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Irritation where the shot is given.

Chronic renal failure patients:

• High blood pressure.

• Headache.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

Zidovudine-treated HIV-infected patients:

• Headache.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Diarrhea.

• Cough.

Cancer patients on chemotherapy:

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Fever.

• Diarrhea.

• Swelling.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Chest pain or pressure or fast heartbeat.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Change in strength on one side greater than the other, difficulty speaking or thinking, change in balance, or blurred vision.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Swelling or pain of leg or arm.

• Seizures.

• Severe headache.

• Clotted dialysis graft.

• Feeling extremely tired or weak.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.