Q. How is Epogen dosed?
The recommended starting dose for adult patients is 50 to 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly intravenously or subcutaneously. The intravenous route is recommended for patients on hemodialysis.
Q. How often can Epogen be given?
How Often Do You Take EPOGEN®? EPOGEN® is given 3 times a week for patients on dialysis. If prescribed by your doctor, your EPOGEN® treatment will probably be on the same schedule as your dialysis. EPOGEN® needs to be injected either into your skin or directly into your dialysis line.
Table of Contents
- Q. How is Epogen dosed?
- Q. How often can Epogen be given?
- Q. Why is Epogen given during dialysis?
- Q. Does Epogen increase hemoglobin?
- Q. How long does it take for Epogen to take effect?
- Q. How do you know if EPOGEN is working?
- Q. Can EPOGEN be given at home?
- Q. When do you give EPOGEN before or after dialysis?
- Q. What’s the lowest dose of Epogen you can take?
- Q. How often should I take Epogen for kidney disease?
- Q. When to start Epogen for hemodialysis patients?
- Q. When to start Epogen in patients on chemotherapy?
Q. Why is Epogen given during dialysis?
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a very large protein and does not cross the dialysis membrane during dialysis. EPO can be given either as an injection underneath the skin (subcutaneous) which results in a more sustained and longer action for the drug in the body.
Q. Does Epogen increase hemoglobin?
EPOGEN® increases hemoglobin (Hb) levels and decreases the need for blood transfusions. Your doctor will determine the appropriate Hb level for you to reduce the need for blood transfusions.
Q. How long does it take for Epogen to take effect?
It takes time for your body to make new red blood cells and raise your hemoglobin (Hb) level. With EPOGEN® treatment, Hb levels usually increase in 2 to 6 weeks. Your doctor will test your blood regularly—at least weekly at the beginning of your treatment—to make sure EPOGEN® is working.
Q. How do you know if EPOGEN is working?
Your doctor will test your blood regularly—at least weekly at the beginning of your treatment—to make sure EPOGEN® is working. The test will measure your Hb or your hematocrit (hee-MAT-a-crit) levels, though most doctors measure Hb because it is a better way to check for anemia.
Q. Can EPOGEN be given at home?
Use these Instructions for Use if you or your caregiver has been trained to give Epogen injections at home. Do not give yourself the injection unless you have received training from your healthcare provider. If you are not sure about giving the injection or you have questions, ask your healthcare provider for help.
Q. When do you give EPOGEN before or after dialysis?
Typically we give it when returning a dialysis patient, but most doctors say it is fine to inject EPO 20 to 25 minutes before dialysis patient termination by saying it is a protein.
Q. What’s the lowest dose of Epogen you can take?
If the hemoglobin level exceeds 10 g/dL, reduce or interrupt the dose of Epogen, and use the lowest dose of Epogen sufficient to reduce the need for RBC transfusions. The recommended starting dose for adult patients is 50 to 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly intravenously or subcutaneously.
Q. How often should I take Epogen for kidney disease?
Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease. If the hemoglobin level approaches or exceeds 11 g/dL, reduce or interrupt the dose of Epogen. The recommended starting dose for adult patients is 50 to 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly intravenously or subcutaneously. The intravenous route is recommended for patients on hemodialysis.
Q. When to start Epogen for hemodialysis patients?
The intravenous route of administration is recommended for patients on hemodialysis. Initiate EPOGEN ® treatment only when the Hb level is < 10 g/dL. The recommended starting dose for pediatric patients is 50 Units/kg 3 times weekly intravenously or subcutaneously.
Q. When to start Epogen in patients on chemotherapy?
Initiate Epogen in patients on cancer chemotherapy only if the hemoglobin is less than 10 g/dL, and if there is a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy. Use the lowest dose of Epogen necessary to avoid RBC transfusions.
