Epoetin alfa

Hypersensitivity to albumin (human) or mammalian cell-derived products; uncontrolled hypertension.

Hypertension; history of seizures; thrombocytosis; chronic liver failure; poor renal function; ischaemic vascular disease; malignant tumours. Increased risk of thrombotic events. Monitor BP during treatment. Regularly monitor platelet counts and serum-potassium concentration. Iron deficiency, infection or inflammatory disorders, haemolysis, or aluminium intoxication will reduce efficacy. Proper dosage control is required to prevent to rapid increase in the haematocrit and haemoglobin levels. Pregnancy; lactation.

Headache, hypertension and seizures. Hypertensive crisis with encephalopathy-like symptoms; thrombosis at vascular access sites and clotting in the dialyser. Transient increases in the platelet count. Flu-like symptoms including chills and myalgia; hyperkalaemia and skin rashes; anaphylactoid reactions. Rarely, pure red cell aplasia after prolonged treatment in patients with prolonged renal failure.

Haematopoietic Agents