Questions and Answers
Which of the following are brand names for Epoetin Alfa?
What is the therapeutic class of Epoetin Alfa?
Erythropoiesis stimulation drug
What is the pharmacologic class of Epoetin Alfa?
Erythropoietin
What is the mechanism of action (MOA) of Epoetin Alfa?
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What are some uses of Epoetin Alfa?
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What is the preferred administration route for Epoetin Alfa?
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It is safe to shake the vial of Epoetin Alfa.
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What is the pregnancy category for Epoetin Alfa?
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What is the onset time for Epoetin Alfa?
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What are some common side effects of Epoetin Alfa?
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What are contraindications for using Epoetin Alfa?
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What should be done in case of an overdose of Epoetin Alfa?
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What drug interactions should be considered with Epoetin Alfa?
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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.
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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.
