General Information on Procrit
Procrit is prescribed for the treatment of anemia, a condition in which red blood cells count is significantly lower than normal, in patients with kidney failure, cancer patients who are being undergoing chemotherapy, and HIV patients who are being treated with zidovudine. The generic name of this drug is Epoetin Alfa, and it belongs to a category of drugs known as colony-stimulating factors
Procrit is a synthetic form of Erythropoietin, a type of protein produced naturally by our body that plays a key role in production of red blood cells. Under normal circumstances, the body naturally produces more red blood cells whenever their quantity decreases. However, this does not happen in patients with aforementioned conditions. Procrit mimics the action of Erythropoietin and helps the body to produce more red blood cells. This, in turn, prevents anemia.
Procrit does not correct the underlying cause due to which the patient’s body is unable to naturally produce adequate amount of red blood cells. That is why, unless the underlying cause is rectified, the patient will need to take Procrit for as long as he/she lives.
This drug is administered via either subcutaneous or intravenous injection. You should buy Procrit only if your physician has prescribed this drug for your treatment.
Side effects of Procrit
The drug may increase the risk of suffering from potentially fatal blood circulation or heart disorders such as stroke or cardiovascular attack. The longer you take Procrit, the greater is your risk. In some cancer patients, this drug may reduce the survival or remission time. As this drug may cause potentially fatal side effects, always discuss the risks and benefits of using Procrit before starting treatment.
You should not buy Procrit if you are allergic to this drug or have uncontrolled or untreated hypertension. Also, before you begin treatment, inform your doctor if you have or ever have had epilepsy, heart attack, circulation disorder, stroke, kidney disease, hypertension, heart failure, or any other heart disease.
You must consult your physician immediately if you experience any of the below-mentioned serious side effects:
- Pale skin, lightheadedness, weakness, or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Redness, pain, warmth, or swelling in the leg(s)
- Sudden gain in weight
- Severe headache, speech, vision, or balance problems, confusion
- Sudden weakness or numbness
Dosage of Procrit
The recommended starting dosage range in adult patients with chronic renal failure is 50-100 units/kg three times a week administered either subcutaneously or intravenously. The recommended starting dosage in pediatric patients with renal failure is 50 units per kg of body weight, three times a week administered either subcutaneously or intravenously. Your doctor, depending on your hemoglobin count, may increase or decrease your dosage after some time.
The recommended starting dosage for adult patients who have HIV and are being treated with zidovudine is Procrit 100 units/kg three times a week administered either subcutaneously or intravenously. The actual dosage may be different for different individuals.
The recommended starting dosage for adult cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy is Procrit 150 units/kg three times a week administered subcutaneously.
Interactions
Although Procrit is not expected to interact with other drugs, you should consider informing your doctor about all other drugs that you are using or have used recently. This includes all mineral, vitamin supplements and other non-prescription drugs.
