Epoetin Alfa Flashcards

Study Notes

Epoetin Alfa Overview

Brand names include Epogen and Procrit.
Classified as an erythropoiesis stimulation drug, promoting red blood cell (RBC) production.

Pharmacological Properties

Functions as erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates erythropoiesis.
Mechanism of Action (MOA) is functionally identical to human erythropoietin.

Clinical Uses

Treats disorders associated with RBC formation deficiencies, particularly in chronic renal failure.
Used in chemotherapy patients to mitigate anemia caused by antineoplastic drugs.
Administered prior to blood transfusions or surgical procedures.
Effective in treating anemia for patients with HIV infections.

Administration Guidelines

Subcutaneous (SubQ) administration is preferred over intravenous (IV) to minimize dosage and optimize absorption rate.
Vials should not be shaken, as this can deactivate the drug.

Safety and Pharmacokinetics

Classified under pregnancy category C, indicating potential risks that need to be evaluated.
Pharmacokinetics: Onset of action is within 1-2 weeks; peak time is unknown, with a duration of action lasting approximately 2 weeks.

Side Effects and Risks

Common side effects include hypertension (HTN), headache, fever, nausea, diarrhea, and edema.
Black box warning highlighted for increased risk of serious cardiovascular and thromboembolic events, including transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), myocardial infarctions (MIs), and strokes.
Increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and possible promotion of tumor growth, shortening survival in cancer patients; lowest effective dose should be used.

Contraindications

Not suitable for patients with uncontrolled hypertension, hypersensitivity to mammalian cell products, or myeloid malignancies such as myelogenous leukemia.

Drug Interactions

Androgens can enhance blood viscosity, leading to increased therapeutic response.
Iron deficiency and vitamin depletion can reduce the drug's effectiveness.

Overdose Management

Overdose treatment involves phlebotomy to address polycythemia, a condition characterized by an excess of RBCs.

Description

Test your knowledge on Epoetin Alfa with these flashcards. Covering brand names, therapeutic classes, pharmacologic classes, and more, this quiz will help reinforce your understanding of this important medication. Ideal for students in pharmacology or healthcare fields.