Procrit

Studies found that Procrit (epoetin alfa) can raise the risk of death and serious events like blood clots, heart attack or stroke. The risk is higher if your hemoglobin level gets too high. Be sure to get your labs done regularly so your care team can monitor how your body is responding. Get emergency help right away if you notice symptoms like leg pain, chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden confusion, sudden vision changes, or weakness on one side of your body.

Procrit (epoetin alfa) might help reduce the need for blood transfusions needed, but it can also cause tumors to grow faster and lower overall survival in some people with cancer. Because of this, your prescriber will carefully consider the risks and benefits before recommending this medication and will monitor your blood levels closely to help keep you safe.

Procrit (epoetin alfa) can raise your blood pressure and shouldn't be used in people with uncontrolled high blood pressure. Before starting this medication, your blood pressure should be under control, and your care team will check it regularly during treatment. Keep taking any blood pressure medications and follow any diet changes your prescriber recommends. If your blood pressure becomes hard to manage, they might need to lower your dose, stop Procrit (epoetin alfa).

Procrit (epoetin alfa) can raise the risk of having a seizure in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Your prescriber will monitor you closely during the first few months of treatment, especially for early signs like unusual feelings, confusion, or irritability. Let your care team know right away if you have a new seizure, notice warning signs before a seizure, or if seizures happen more often.

Sometimes Procrit (epoetin alfa) doesn't work or stops working over time. If your anemia doesn't improve, your prescriber will look into possible causes like low iron, infection, inflammation, or bleeding. If you're told to take iron supplements, it's important to take them as directed to help the medication work better.

In rare cases, Procrit (epoetin alfa) can cause a serious condition called pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), which means your body stops making red blood cells. This happens when your body makes antibodies that block erythropoietin, the hormone that helps produce red blood cells. If you develop severe anemia, your prescriber will stop Procrit (epoetin alfa) and run tests to check for these antibodies. If PRCA is confirmed, you’ll need to stop the medication for good and shouldn’t switch to another erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA).

Serious allergic reactions can happen with Procrit (epoetin alfa), including anaphylaxis, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, skin rash, or hives. If you have any of these reactions, stop taking the medication right away and get emergency care.

Serious skin reactions like blistering or peeling have been reported in people taking Procrit (epoetin alfa). These can include rare but dangerous conditions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Let your care team know immediately if you notice any skin blisters, peeling, skin sores, or painful rash.

Benzyl alcohol is a preservative found in the multi-dose vial of Procrit (epoetin alfa). It can cause a rare but serious condition called "gasping syndrome". This condition is more likely to happen in newborns and infants with low birth weight. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your prescriber before getting Procrit (epoetin alfa), since your baby could be exposed to benzyl alcohol through the womb or breast milk. Your prescriber can recommend the single-dose vial that's safer for both you and your baby.