A patient information leaflet is included in every pack of medicine. You should read this carefully before taking your medicine.
The patient information leaflets for Eprex® can be found here.
If you have any questions about a condition or medicine, always consult a healthcare professional.
Eprex® is a pre-filled injection syringe containing the active ingredient epoetin alfa.
Eprex® belongs to a group of medicines called erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. It contains a protein that simulates the production of red blood cells.
Eprex® is used to treat anaemia in patients who have kidney disease or who are receiving chemotherapy for certain types of cancer. It can reduce the need for a blood transfusion in some groups of patients and is also used in situations where patients donate blood before they undergo surgery to provide a supply of their own blood (autologous pre-donation).
The common side effects are: high blood pressure; flu-like symptoms (headache, aches and pains, weakness, dizziness and chills); fits (seizures), skin rashes, accumulation of fluid under the skin of the eyelids, which may result from an allergic reaction and a rare condition called Pure Red Cell Aplasia (absence of red blood cells). If you experience sudden, stabbing headaches or start to feel confused or have fits, tell your doctor or nursing staff immediately. These may be the warning signs of a sudden rise in blood pressure, which requires urgent treatment.
For further information about Eprex®, including possible side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet or speak to your doctor.
Patient Information Leaflets:
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Eprex® 2,000, 4,000 and 10,000 IU/ml pre-filled syringes
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Eprex® 40,000 IU/ml pre-filled syringe
Additional Patient Leaflets:
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Anaemia and Renal Patients: Your Anaemia Treatment Guide
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Chemotherapy, Anaemia and You: Your Anaemia Treatment Guide
Item code: EPX/10-0007
Date of Preparation: March 2010
