Compare Procrit vs. Epogen
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- Procrit (epoetin alfa)Epogen (epoetin alfa)
- Procrit (epoetin alfa)Epogen (epoetin alfa)
Summary of Procrit vs. Epogen
Summary for Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)Prescription onlyProcrit (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.
Summary for Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)Prescription onlyEpogen (epoetin alfa) is an injection used to treat certain types of anemia, or low red blood cell count. It's FDA approved for people with anemia caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD), HIV treatment with zidovudine, or cancer chemotherapy. It's also used to reduce the need for blood transfusions in people undergoing certain surgeries. You can get the medication as an injection under the skin or into a vein. 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 Procrit vs. Epogen
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 surgeriesIndications for•Treat anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD), taking zidovudine for HIV, or cancer chemotherapy•Reduce the need for blood transfusions before certain surgeriesPros and Cons of Procrit vs. Epogen
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 needsCons•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 workPros 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 needsCons•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 workCommon Side Effects of Procrit vs. Epogen
Common Side Effects forChronic 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%)Common Side Effects forChronic 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 Procrit vs. Epogen
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 bloodCommon 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 bloodPrices with our coupons for Procrit vs. Epogen
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