PROCRIT Injection: Treats Anemia due to Chronic Kidney Disease, Zidovudine, Chemotherapy, and Reduces Allogeneic Red Blood Cell Transfusions

“Although, your health condition may impact your everyday life, do not let it define who you are.” PROCRIT (epoetin alfa) injection is used to treat anemia (a lower than normal number of red blood cells) in people with chronic kidney failure (condition in which the kidneys slowly and permanently stop working over a period of time). PROCRIT (epoetin alfa) injection is also used to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy in people with certain types of cancer or caused by zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir, in Trizivir, in Combivir), a medication used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). PROCRIT (epoetin alfa) injection is also used before and after certain types of surgery to decrease the chance that blood transfusions (transfer of one person's blood to another person's body) will be needed because of blood loss during surgery. PROCRIT injection should not be used to decrease the risk that transfusions will be needed in people who are having surgery on their hearts or blood vessels. PROCRIT injection also should not be used to treat people who are able and willing to donate blood before surgery so that this blood can be replaced in their bodies during or after surgery. PROCRIT injection cannot be used in place of a red blood cell transfusion to treat severe anemia and has not been shown to improve tiredness or poor well-being that may be caused by anemia. Epoetin alfa is in a class of medications called erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). It works by causing the bone marrow (soft tissue inside the bones where blood is made) to make more red blood cells. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. Thanks and may you have a good understanding about this drug—PROCRIT. You may want to share this book with your family and friends who may be in need of help and would want to use this medicine. Take care, and as always, be well!