How do you inject Procrit?
5 min read
Asked by: Susan Bishop
PROCRIT can be injected directly into a layer of fat under your skin. This is called a subcutaneous injection. When giving subcutaneous injections, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about changing the site for each injection. You may wish to write down the site where you have injected.
Where do you inject epoetin?
Epoetin alfa injection products come as a solution (liquid) to inject subcutaneously (just under the skin) or intravenously (into a vein). It is usually injected one to three times weekly.
How do you give a hemoglobin injection?
Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is 100 units per kilogram (kg) injected into a vein or under the skin three times a week for 8 weeks. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
How often is PROCRIT injection given?
This medication is given as an injection under the skin or into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 3 times a week. Patients getting this medication before surgery may have a special dosing schedule.
Should PROCRIT be refrigerated?
Store PROCRIT in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Keep PROCRIT away from light. Single-dose vials of PROCRIT should be used only one time. Throw the vial away after use even if there is medicine left in the vial.
How do you inject subcutaneously?
And place them on either side of the planned injection spot. And pinch the skin while continuing this hold insert the needle into the skin in the center of the skin fold.
What is the most common side effect of PROCRIT?
Common side effects of PROCRIT® include: Joint, muscle, or bone pain. Fever. Cough.
Where is hemoglobin injection given?
It may be given as a shot under your skin or into a vein. If your doctor tells you to inject it in a certain way, follow your doctor’s instructions. This medicine comes with a Medication Guide.
How long does a PROCRIT injection take?
It usually takes 2 to 6 weeks before the number of red blood cells increases in your body. Individual results with PROCRIT® may vary.
Does PROCRIT cause hair loss?
Some of the common side effects associated with chemotherapy include: anemia, appetite changes, bleeding from low platelets, constipation, depression, diarrhea, hair loss, hormone changes, infection from low white blood cell count or weakened immune system, nausea and vomiting, pain, skin and nail changes, and …
Can PROCRIT be self administered?
Use these Instructions for Use if you or your caregiver has been trained to give PROCRIT 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.
Who should not take PROCRIT?
It is not known if PROCRIT® is safe and effective in treating anemia in children less than 1 month old who have chronic kidney disease and in children less than 5 years old who have anemia caused by chemotherapy. Who should not take PROCRIT®?
Why does PROCRIT raise blood pressure?
Epoetin alfa may sometimes cause or worsen high blood pressure, especially in patients with long-term kidney failure. This effect may be caused by the number of red blood cells increasing too quickly, usually within the first 3 months of starting treatment.
Does PROCRIT make you tired?
Rarely, this medication may suddenly stop working well after a period of time because your body may make antibodies that make it work less well, and a very serious anemia can result. Tell your doctor right away if symptoms of anemia return (such as increased tiredness, low energy, pale skin color, shortness of breath).
What is the fastest way to increase red blood cells?
5 nutrients that increase red blood cell counts
- red meat, such as beef.
- organ meat, such as kidney and liver.
- dark, leafy, green vegetables, such as spinach and kale.
- dried fruits, such as prunes and raisins.
- beans.
- legumes.
- egg yolks.
Does PROCRIT raise iron levels?
Other treatments used prior to surgery may include iron, vitamin B12, and blood transfusions. PROCRIT® is a man–made form of erythropoietin that causes your bone marrow to make more red blood cells. This, in turn, raises your hemoglobin level and may reduce the need for a blood transfusion.
Does PROCRIT cause diarrhea?
Common side effects of Procrit include: upper respiratory tract infection, arthralgia, decreased serum iron, diarrhea, edema, fever, low serum ferritin, paresthesia, respiratory congestion, skin rash, tachycardia, cough, dyspnea, headache, nausea, signs and symptoms of injection site, and vomiting.
Is PROCRIT a chemotherapy drug?
PROCRIT® is part of a category of medicines called erythropoiesis–stimulating agents (ESAs). It is used for the treatment of anemia in patients with certain types of cancer who are receiving chemotherapy.
When can I stop PROCRIT?
Discontinue PROCRIT® if an increase in hemoglobin is not achieved at a dose of 300 Units/kg for 8 weeks. Adverse reactions in ≥5% of PROCRIT®-treated patients in clinical studies were pyrexia, cough, rash, and injection site irritation.
What pain reliever can I take with anemia?
Be safe with medicines. Do not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers unless your doctor tells you to. These include aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
How long does it take to raise hemoglobin levels?
In general, patients with iron deficient anemia should manifest a response to iron with reticulocytosis in three to seven days, followed by an increase in hemoglobin in 2-4 weeks.
Is there a substitute for PROCRIT?
On May 15, 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved Retacrit (epoetin alfa-epbx, Hospira Inc., a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc.)
Is Procrit an expensive drug?
Epogen and Procrit are specialty medications used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD) or chemotherapy, but they don’t come cheap. A 30-day supply of Procrit costs well over $2,000 and prices for Epogen average around $600 per month.
How can I increase my erythropoietin levels naturally?
Athletes tested at Northwestern State University scored a 65% increase in naturally occurring EPO after taking echinacea supplements for 14 days. Self-massaging the area around the kidneys stimulates the adrenal glands and encourages blood flow to produce more EPO.
Are Epogen and Procrit the same?
Epogen and Procrit are both epoetin alfa, but they are marketed by two different pharmaceutical companies. The FDA approved epoetin alfa in June 1989.
Do you refrigerate Epogen?
Store Epogen in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Keep Epogen away from light. Single-dose vials of Epogen should be used only one time.
