Epoetin alfa
Pronounced e-POE-e-tin AL-fah
Brand names: Epogen, Procrit
Type: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (anemia injection) · All Kidney & Dialysis Medicines
What Epoetin alfa is used for
- Anemia of chronic kidney disease, including on dialysis
- Anemia from chemotherapy
- Reducing transfusions around certain surgeries
◆ Kidney note
Replaces the erythropoietin hormone that failing kidneys no longer make; iron levels must be adequate for it to work.
Common side effects
- Raised blood pressure
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Injection site irritation
- Nausea
Important cautions
- Raising hemoglobin too high increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and clots — targets are deliberately kept moderate and monitored
- Blood pressure can climb as anemia improves — it is checked regularly
How it comes
Injection under the skin or into a vein. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.
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Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.