Drugplain

EPOGEN 4000 [iU]/mL

epoetin alfa · SOLUTION · Amgen, Inc

No Recall History
Plain English

EPOGEN is a solution containing epoetin alfa at 4000 [iU]/mL, taken intravenous. Manufactured by Amgen, Inc.

Key Facts

Brand Name
EPOGEN
Generic Name
epoetin alfa
NDC Code (Product)
55513-148
Manufacturer
Amgen, Inc
Strength
4000 [iU]/mL
Dosage Form
SOLUTION
Route
INTRAVENOUS, SUBCUTANEOUS
Marketing Status
Application #
BLA103234
Marketing Start
08/16/1993

Recall History

No Recall History

Side Effects Reported to FDA

FDA FAERS database · These are reported events, not confirmed side effects

product storage error1,123 reports
anaemia761 reports
dyspnoea630 reports
haemoglobin decreased602 reports
nausea596 reports
pain559 reports
diarrhoea546 reports
circumstance or information capable of leading to medication error542 reports
vomiting533 reports
nephrogenic systemic fibrosis530 reports

Full Prescribing Information

Source: FDA Drug Label (SPL)For healthcare professionals

Indications & Usage

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Epogen is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) indicated for: Treatment of anemia due to: - Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in patients on dialysis and not on dialysis ( 1.1 ). - Zidovudine in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection ( 1.2 ). - The effects of concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy, and upon initiation, there is a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy ( 1.3 ). Reduction of allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in patients undergoing elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery ( 1.4 ). Limitations of Use Epogen has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being ( 1.5 ). Epogen is not indicated for use: In patients with cancer receiving hormonal agents, biologic products, or radiotherapy, unless also receiving concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy ( 1.5 ). In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure ( 1.5 ). In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy in whom the anemia can be managed by transfusion ( 1.5 ). In patients scheduled for surgery who are willing to donate autologous blood ( 1.5 ).

Dosage & Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Evaluate iron status before and during treatment and maintain iron repletion. Correct or exclude other causes of anemia before initiating treatment ( 2.1 ). In pregnant women, lactating women, neonates, infants: Use only single-dose vials ( 2.1 ). Patients with CKD: Initial dose: 50 to 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly (adults) and 50 Units/kg 3 times weekly (pediatric patients). Individualize maintenance dose. Intravenous route recommended for patients on hemodialysis ( 2.2 ). Patients on Zidovudine due to HIV infection: 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly ( 2.3 ). Patients with Cancer on Chemotherapy: 40,000 Units weekly or 150 Units/kg 3 times weekly (adults); 600 Units/kg intravenously weekly (pediatric patients ≥ 5 years) ( 2.4 ). Surgery Patients: 300 Units/kg per day daily for 15 days or 600 Units/kg weekly ( 2.5 ). 2.1 Important Dosing Information Evaluation of Iron Stores and Nutritional Factors Evaluate the iron status in all patients before and during treatment. Administer supplemental iron therapy when serum ferritin is less than 100 mcg/L or when serum transferrin saturation is less than 20%. The majority of patients with CKD will require supplemental iro

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Epogen is contraindicated in patients with: Uncontrolled hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that begins after treatment with Epogen or other erythropoietin protein drugs [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Serious allergic reactions to Epogen [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Epogen from multiple-dose vials contains benzyl alcohol and is contraindicated in: Neonates, infants, pregnant women, and lactating women [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 , 8.2 , 8.4 )] . Uncontrolled hypertension ( 4 ) Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that begins after treatment with Epogen or other erythropoietin protein drugs ( 4 ) Serious allergic reactions to Epogen ( 4 ) Use of the multiple-dose vials containing benzyl alcohol in neonates, infants, pregnant women, and lactating women ( 4 )

Adverse Reactions

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Increased Mortality, Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, and Thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Increased Mortality and/or Increased Risk of Tumor Progression or Recurrence in Patients with Cancer [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] PRCA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Serious Allergic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Severe Cutaneous Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Patients with CKD: Adverse reactions in ≥ 5% of Epogen-treated patients in clinical studies were hypertension, arthralgia, muscle spasm, pyrexia, dizziness, medical device malfunction, vascular occlusion, and upper respiratory tract infection ( 6.1 ). Patients on Zidovudine due to HIV infection: Adverse reactions in ≥ 5% of Epogen-treated patients in clinical studies were pyrexia, cough, rash, and injection site irritation ( 6.1 ). Patients with Cancer on Chemotherapy: Adverse reactions in ≥ 5% of Epogen-treated patients in clinical studies we

Frequently Asked Questions

What is EPOGEN used for?

EPOGEN contains epoetin alfa. It is a solution taken intravenous. Consult your doctor for specific uses.

Is EPOGEN a controlled substance?

EPOGEN is not classified as a controlled substance by the DEA.

What is the generic name for EPOGEN?

The generic name for EPOGEN is epoetin alfa. There are 9 other brand versions of epoetin alfa.

What is the NDC code for EPOGEN 4000 [iU]/mL?

The NDC (National Drug Code) for EPOGEN 4000 [iU]/mL is 55513-148, listed by Amgen, Inc.