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HomeDrugsEpogen (epoetin alfa) Prices

Epogen

epoetin alfa

Used for Anemia, Kidney Disease

Epogen (epoetin alfa) is an injectable medication used to treat low red blood cell count. It can have serious side effects, so it should only be used in certain types of people with anemia.

Reviewed by:

Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP

Michelle Nguyen, PharmD

Last reviewed on August 9, 2021

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Interactions Cost Contraindications Alternatives Latest news Images Prices Medicare

What is Epogen (epoetin alfa)?

What is Epogen (epoetin alfa) used for?

Treatment of anemia due to chemotherapy, chronic kidney disease, and zidovudine use in HIV-infected patients
Reduction of allogeneic red blood cell transfusions in patients having elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery

How Epogen (epoetin alfa) works

Epogen (epoetin alfa) is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA). It works similarly to a naturally-occurring hormone in our body (erythropoietin). Erythropoietin sends a signal to our body to make more red blood cells.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsEpogen, Procrit, Retacrit

Drug ClassErythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent (ESA)

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

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Avg retail price

$58.32(save 30.64%)

GoodRx discount

$40.45

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What are the side effects of Epogen (epoetin alfa)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

High blood pressure (28%)
Joint pain (16%)
Fever (10%)
Dizziness (10%)
Blood clot at dialysis port (8%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (7%)

Other Side Effects

Muscle spasm
Cough
Rash
Injection site irritation

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Blood clot (redness, swelling, pain usually in one leg)

Source: FDA

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Chest pain

fever

headache

increased blood pressure

swelling of the face, fingers, ankles, feet, or lower legs

weight gain

Less common

Anxiety

blurred vision

change in skin color

change in vision

cough

dizziness or lightheadedness

double vision

fainting

fast heartbeat

migraine headache

nausea

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg

pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially calves of the legs

pale skin

partial or complete loss of vision in the eye

seizures

severe headache of sudden onset

skin rash or hives

slurred speech

sore throat

sudden and severe inability to speak

sudden loss of coordination

sweating

temporary blindness

tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, or skin discoloration at the injection site

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

vision problems

vomiting

weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

chills

diarrhea

itching

joint or muscle pain

red, irritated eyes

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Bone or joint pain

constipation

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

heartburn or belching

itching or stinging at the injection site

loss of strength or energy

muscle aches or weakness

shivering

skin pain

stomach discomfort, upset, pain, or swelling

weight loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pros and cons of Epogen (epoetin alfa)

Pros

First choice treatment option for treating anemia from CKD, if you don't have low iron levels

If appropriate, can be injected at home

Can be used in patients of all ages

Dose can be easily adjusted to meet your individual needs

Cons

Only works if iron levels are high enough

Can't be used if you have uncontrolled hypertension

Cancer patients must meet specific criteria; due to the potential risks of the medication

Can raise the risk of blood clots and other heart-related conditions

Pharmacist tips for Epogen (epoetin alfa)

Talk to your provider if you have a history of heart or blood clotting problems. ESA medications like Epogen (epoetin alfa) can raise your risk of blood clots and may make you more prone to heart attacks or stroke. Report any chest pain, breathing problems, or changes in mental status immediately.

Monitor your blood pressure as directed and take blood pressure-lowering medications as prescribed. Epogen (epoetin alfa) can raise your blood pressure.

To avoid alcohol exposure (alcohol is used as a preservative in multi-dose vials), women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and very young children should only use single-dose vials of the medication. Single-dose vials must be thrown away after each use, even if there's medication left over.

Store Epogen (epoetin alfa) in the refrigerator (not in the freezer), protect it from light, and don't shake it.

Always inspect the vial before you prepare your injection. Make sure it's not cloudy, leaky, or containing any particles. If it has particles, is discolored, or foamy, don't use it. Instead contact your provider or pharmacy about getting a replacement vial.

Injection instructions will vary from person to person and some dialysis patients might have a port they can administer the medication through. Make sure you understand how to properly inject the medication before starting home injections. It's important to get the correct amount of medication.

Frequently asked questions about Epogen (epoetin alfa)

Are Epogen, Procrit, and Retacrit all the same medications?

Retacrit (epoetin alfa-epbx) is a biosimilar of Epogen (epoetin alfa) and Procrit (epoetin alfa). Epogen and Procrit are the original biologic medications. This means that Retacrit is very similar, but isn't identical. Biosimilars are products with similar structure, function, safety, and effectiveness as biologics, but they are not interchangeable with them. Click here to read more about biosimilars.

How quickly does Epogen (epoetin alfa) work to increase hemoglobin levels?

After starting Epogen (epoetin alfa) it will take time for you body to make new red blood cells. Hemoglobin levels will usually increase after 2 to 6 weeks. Your provider will monitor your hemoglobin levels to make sure that the medication is working for you and can adjust your Epogen (epoetin alfa) dose to make sure you reach your hemoglobin goal.

Why do I need to take iron supplements with Epogen (epoetin alfa)?

Epogen (epoetin alfa) will tell your body to make more red blood cells, but your body also needs enough iron to do this. If your iron levels are too low, your body might not respond to Epogen (epoetin alfa). Before starting Epogen (epoetin alfa), your provider will check your iron levels and can prescribe iron supplements if your iron levels are too low.

Is Epogen (epoetin alfa) a form of chemotherapy?

No, Epogen (epoetin alfa) isn't a type of chemotherapy, but is often times used in people receiving chemotherapy treatment. Certain types of chemotherapy can lead to anemia, which is usually treated with blood transfusions or ESA medications. ESA medications, like Epogen (epoetin alfa), can reduce the amount of blood transfusions needed.

Where do you inject Epogen (epoetin alfa)?

Epogen (epoetin alfa) can be injected into the outer area of the upper arms, abdomen, front of your middle thigh, and upper outer area of your butt. Don't inject the medication into areas that are tender, red, bruised, hard, or scarred.

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What are the risks and warnings for Epogen (epoetin alfa)?

Epogen (epoetin alfa) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Increased risk of death and other serious events

Risk factors: History of heart disease | Uncontrolled high blood pressure | High red blood cell count

Studies found that Epogen (epoetin alfa) can raise the risk of death and serious heart conditions, such as a heart attack or stroke. The risk is higher in people with a history of heart-related conditions and those with higher levels of hemoglobin (a protein found in red blood cells). Make sure you have your labs drawn regularly so you provider can monitor your body's response.

Cancer survival and tumor growth

Epogen (epoetin alfa) can lower the amount of blood transfusions needed, but can also lead to more tumor growth and overall shortened suvival. To lower this risk, Epogen (epoetin alfa) should only be used in certain situations and may not be a good option for people with certain curable cancers.

High blood pressure

Epogen (epoetin alfa) can raise blood pressure and shouldn't be used in people who have uncontrolled high blood pressure. Epogen (epoetin alfa) can be used once your blood pressure is controlled and it's important that you continue the medication and dietary changes that lowered your blood pressure. If your blood pressure becomes too high after starting Epogen (epoetin alfa) your provider might pause the medication or lower your dose. They can also add more blood pressure-lowering medications.

Seizures in CKD patients

Epogen (epoetin alfa) can increase the risk of having a seizure in patients with CKD. Your provider will monitor this closely during the first few months. Contact your provider if you do have a seizure and report any pre-seizure symptoms such as a migraine or sensitivity to light or sound.

No hemoglobin response

Risk factors: Low iron levels | Bleeding | Infection | Inflammation

Sometimes Epogen (epoetin alfa) doesn't work or stops working after a while. If your anemia doesn't respond to the medication, your provider will evaluate potential factors that might be the cause. One possible reason is having low iron levels, so it's important to take iron supplements if prescribed or directed.

Epogen (epoetin alfa) dosage forms

Typical dosing for Epogen (epoetin alfa)

The dose will be calculated based on your condition and weight. It can be given every day, 3 times a week, or once a week.

Interactions between Epogen (epoetin alfa) and other drugs

Epogen (epoetin alfa) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Epogen (epoetin alfa). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

How much does Epogen (epoetin alfa) cost?

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Epogen (brand)

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$40.45

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Epogen (epoetin alfa) contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Epogen (epoetin alfa) will not be safe for you to take.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that begins after treatment with [drug] or other erythropoietin protein drugs
Use of the multiple-dose vials containing benzyl alcohol in neonates, infants, pregnant women, and lactating women

What are alternatives to Epogen (epoetin alfa)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Epogen (epoetin alfa). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Epogen (epoetin alfa)

Used for:

Treatment of anemia due to chemotherapy, chronic kidney disease, and zidovudine use in HIV-infected patients
Reduction of allogeneic red blood cell transfusions in patients having elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery

$40.45 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa)

Used for: