Epokine (4000IU/0.4ml) Injection – Erythropoietin Pre-filled Syringe | Pack of 6

Description

Epokine Injection contains Erythropoietin (EPO), a recombinant human erythropoietin used to stimulate red blood cell production. It is primarily used in patients with anemia caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD), chemotherapy, or certain medical conditions. Epokine helps restore hemoglobin levels, reducing the need for frequent blood transfusions and improving quality of life.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Erythropoietin (rHuEPO) 4000 IU/0.4ml

• Excipients: Sodium chloride, albumin (human), water for injection, and stabilizers

Drug Class

• Hematopoietic Growth Factor

• Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent (ESA)

Dosage Form

• Pre-filled syringe for subcutaneous (SC) or intravenous (IV) use

• Pack contains 6 pre-filled syringes

Uses / Indications

• Anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) (dialysis or non-dialysis patients)

• Anemia due to chemotherapy in cancer patients

• Anemia in patients preparing for major surgery (to reduce need for blood transfusion)

• Anemia in HIV patients on Zidovudine therapy

Dosage

💉 Individualized based on hemoglobin levels and patient condition

• Chronic Kidney Disease (Adults):

  • Initial: 50–100 IU/kg 3 times weekly (IV or SC)

  • Adjust based on hemoglobin response

• Chemotherapy-induced Anemia:

  • Initial: 150 IU/kg SC 3 times weekly or 40,000 IU SC once weekly

• Children with CKD:

  • Starting dose: 50 IU/kg 3 times weekly

⚠️ Maximum dose adjusted according to target hemoglobin (10–12 g/dL).

In Case of Overdose

• Overdose may cause excessive rise in hemoglobin, increasing risk of blood clots, stroke, or hypertension

• Management: Stop treatment temporarily and monitor hemoglobin levels closely

Missed Dose

• Administer the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose

• Do not double dose to make up for a missed one

How To Use

• Administer subcutaneously (SC) or intravenously (IV)

• Pre-filled syringe should be taken out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before injection to reach room temperature

• Do not shake vigorously

• Use each syringe only once, discard safely after use

When Not to Use / Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to Erythropoietin or excipients

• Uncontrolled hypertension

• Patients who develop pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) after EPO therapy

• Caution in patients with history of stroke, seizures, or vascular disease

Side Effects

Common:

• Headache, dizziness

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Injection site reactions

Serious:

• Blood clots (DVT, pulmonary embolism, stroke)

• Seizures

• Pure red cell aplasia (rare)

• Myocardial infarction or heart failure (long-term risk if Hb raised too high)

Precautions & Warnings

• Monitor hemoglobin levels weekly until stable

• Avoid raising Hb above 12 g/dL (increased cardiovascular risk)

• Monitor blood pressure regularly

• Increased risk of thrombosis, especially in surgery and cancer patients

• Use with caution in patients with liver disease, seizures, or cardiovascular disease

• Not recommended for performance enhancement in healthy individuals

Drug Interactions

• Cyclosporine: EPO may alter cyclosporine blood levels (dose adjustments may be required)

• Antihypertensive medications: Monitor BP closely

• Chemotherapy drugs: Response may vary

Storage / Disposal

• Store at 2–8°C (refrigerated)

• Do not freeze

• Keep syringes in original packaging, protected from light

• Discard unused portion safely (biohazard disposal recommended)

Control Drug / Prescription Status

• Prescription-only medicine (Rx)

• Not a controlled substance

Quick Tips

• Epokine helps avoid frequent blood transfusions in patients with chronic anemia

• Always check hemoglobin levels before dose adjustment

• Maintain a diet rich in iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to support red blood cell production

• Do not use Epokine for athletic performance enhancement (serious health risks)

• Use syringes only once – never reuse