Epocept 10000IU (Injection)


Epocept 10000IU Injection is given by injection either under the skin or into a vein which will be decided by your doctor. Usually, the injections are given by a nurse or doctor. The dose depends on your body weight and the cause of your anemia. Iron supplements both before and during treatment may make this treatment more effective. Epocept 10000IU Injection needs to be stored in a fridge but used at room temperature.

The most common side effects of taking this medicine include nausea, vomiting, fever, and increased blood pressure. It may also cause flu-like symptoms such as headache, tiredness, dizziness and aches and pains. These side effects are most common at the start of treatment but if they persist your doctor may be able to suggest ways of preventing or reducing them. Tell your doctor straight away if you get any serious side effects, including seizures (fits). Sometimes this medicine can cause serious blood clots that need urgent medical attention.

Before using Epocept 10000IU Injection you should tell your doctor if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, or gout (disease of joint pain). You should also tell him/her what other medicines you are taking in case they affect this treatment. Your blood pressure should be checked often during this treatment by you or your doctor. You may also need other regular medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.


Basic Information

Mechanism Of Action

Epocept 10000IU Injection is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA). It works by stimulating the bone marrow (soft tissue inside the bones which produces red blood cells) to produce more red blood cells.

Pharmacokinets

Erythropoietin (EPO) interacts directly with the EPO receptor on the red blood cell (RBC) surface, triggering activation of several signal transduction pathways, resulting in the proliferation and terminal differentiation of erythroid precursor cells and providing protection from RBC precursor apoptosis.

Side Effects

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Epocept

High blood pressure

Nausea

Vomiting

Fever

Rash

Joint pain

Headache

Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)

Chills

Cough

Bone pain

Muscle spasm

Dizziness

Vascular occlusion

Injection site irritation

Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth)

Weight loss

Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes)

Increased glucose level in blood

Blood clot in the blood vessels

Contra Indications

Hypersensitivity to Epocept Injection is a contraindication. In addition, Epocept Injection should not be used if you have the following conditions:

Cardiovascular disease

Infants

Neonates

Nursing mothers

Pregnant women

Serious allergic reactions

Stroke

Uncontrolled hypertension

Pregnancy Related Information

Epocept 10000IU Injection may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.


Product And Alcohol Interaction

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Epocept 10000IU Injection. Please consult your doctor.


Breast Feeding Related Information

Epocept 10000IU Injection is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.


Children Related Information

Use with caution

Below 9years: Contraindicated

Indications

Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa is used in the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease and anemia due to chemotherapy. Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Alfa is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA).

Interactions

If you use other drugs or over the counter products at the same time, the effects of Epocept Injection may change. This may increase your risk for side-effects or cause your drug not to work properly. Tell your doctor about all the drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are using, so that you doctor can help you prevent or manage drug interactions. Epocept Injection may interact with the following drugs and products:

Acetaminophen

Aspirin

Clopidogrel

Docusate

Esomeprazole

Levothyroxine

Pantoprazole

Sevelamer

Tacrolimus

Typical Dosage

Kindly do not self administer.

Storage Requirements

Store in a refrigerator (2 - 8°C). Do not freeze.


Effects Of Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Epocept 10000IU Injection, please consult your doctor.


Effects Of Overdose

Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

Expert Advice

Epocept 10000IU Injection helps in the treatment of anemia that may have occurred due to chronic kidney disease or cancer chemotherapy.

It is given as a single injection under your skin.

Your doctor may get your blood tests done regularly to monitor the levels of hemoglobin, blood cells and electrolytes such as potassium in your blood.

Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms of very high blood pressure such as severe headache, problems with your eyesight, nausea, vomiting or fits (seizures).

Stop taking Epocept 10000IU Injection and inform your doctor if you develop shortness of breath or skin rash.

How To Use

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.


FAQs

Q. How should Epocept 10000IU Injection be stored?

In the hospital, pre-filled syringes are stored unopened in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 ℃. If you are using this medicine at home, it is important that the pre-filled syringe is stored in your refrigerator. Do not store it in the freezer. Allow the pre-filled syringe to reach room temperature prior to using it. This usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes. Epocept 10000IU Injection pre-filled syringes that are being used or about to be used can be kept at room temperature (not above 25°C) for a maximum single period of 7 days. Keep these pre-filled syringes away from children and protected from light.

Q. What to do if you use too much Epocept 10000IU Injection?

Tell the doctor or nurse immediately if you think too much Epocept 10000IU Injection has been injected.

Q. When should Epocept 10000IU Injection not be used?

Epocept 10000IU Injection should not be used if the solution is clouded or you can see particles floating in it or if the medicine has expired. Refer to the expiry date on the label. You should also not use the medicine if you know or think that it may have been accidentally frozen or if there has been a refrigerator failure.

Q. Can Epocept 10000IU Injection be used in children?

Yes, Epocept 10000IU Injection is used to treat anemia caused due to chronic kidney disease in children who are above 1 year of age. The effectiveness of Epocept 10000IU Injection and side effects seen in children are similar to adults.

Q. Can Epocept 10000IU Injection affect blood pressure?

Yes, Epocept 10000IU Injection can affect blood pressure. During initial therapy with Epocept 10000IU Injection, blood pressure should be monitored and those who have high blood pressure should take appropriate measures to control blood pressure. Your doctor may stop Epocept 10000IU Injection if the blood pressure remains uncontrolled.