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Compare Mircera vs. Procrit

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Mircera
    Procrit (epoetin alfa)
  • Mircera
    Procrit (epoetin alfa)

  • Summary of Mircera vs. Procrit

    Summary for Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)
    Prescription only

    Mircera is a medication that's used to treat anemia (low red blood cells) in people who have kidney problems. It's approved for people age 5 years and older who are on dialysis, though it can also be used for adults who aren't on dialysis. Mircera is an injection that can be given by your healthcare provider, but you can give the injection to yourself at home in some cases after you get trained on how to use it. The dose is given once every two weeks or once a month. This medication can cause high blood pressure as a side effect, so your provider will check that your blood pressure is under control before you start treatment with Mircera.

    Summary for Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)
    Prescription only

    Procrit (epoetin alfa) is an injection used to treat anemia, or low red blood cell count, caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD), taking zidovudine for HIV, or cancer chemotherapy. It's also used to reduce the need for blood transfusions in people undergoing certain surgeries. The medication given as a shot under the skin or into a vein, often in a clinic, dialysis center, or sometimes at home. Depending on your condition, you might take it once a day, once a week, or 3 times a week. Common side effects include high blood pressure, fever, and muscle or joint pain.

  • Indications of Mircera vs. Procrit

    Indications for
    •Anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD)
    Indications for
    •Treat anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD), taking zidovudine for HIV, or cancer chemotherapy
    •Reduce the need for blood transfusions before certain surgeries

  • Pros and Cons of Mircera vs. Procrit

    Pros and Const for Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)
    Pros
    •Long-lasting, so it only needs to be given once or twice a month
    •Can be given at home in certain situations
    •Comes in prefilled syringes for easier use
    •Can use for children age 5 and older
    Cons
    •Not recommended for use in anemia caused by chemotherapy nor as a substitute for blood transfusions
    •Can't use if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure
    •Only works if you have enough iron in your blood
    •Hasn't been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or well-being
    Pros and Const for Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)
    Pros
    •Can reduce the need for blood transfusions
    •If appropriate, can be injected at home
    •Approved for both children and adults
    •Dose can be adjusted to fit your individual needs
    Cons
    •Raises the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke
    •Only works if iron levels are high enough
    •Need regular blood tests to check hemoglobin levels
    •Can take 2 to 6 weeks for it to work

  • Common Side Effects of Mircera vs. Procrit

    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood pressure (13%)
    •Diarrhea (11%)
    •Cold and flu symptoms (11%)
    •Upper respiratory infection (9%)
    •Headache (9%)
    •Muscle spasms (8%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

    •High blood pressure (up to 28%)
    •Joint pain (up to 16%)
    •Fever (10%)
    •Dizziness (10%)

    Taking zidovudine for HIV

    •Fever (42%)
    •Cough (26%)
    •Rash (19%)

    Cancer chemotherapy

    •Nausea (35%)
    •Vomiting (20%)
    •Muscle pain (10%)
    •Joint pain (10%)
    •Mouth sores (10%)

    Certain surgeries

    •Nausea (up to 56)
    •Vomiting (up to 28%)
    •Itchiness (up to 21%)
    •Headache (up to 18%)
    •Injection-site pain (up to 13%)

  • Warnings of Mircera vs. Procrit

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death, heart attack, stroke, and blood clots
    •Not for use in people with anemia due to chemotherapy
    •High blood pressure
    •Seizures
    •Possible to have no response or to lose response to the medication
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death and serious events
    •Cancer survival and tumor growth
    •High blood pressure
    •Seizures
    •No hemoglobin response
    •Red blood cell condition
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Severe skin reactions
    •Risk of serious gasping syndrome in babies
    •Risk of infection from human blood

  • Prices with our coupons for Mircera vs. Procrit

    Learn more about Mircera
    Learn more about Procrit

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