Description
- Treatment of anemia with renal insufficiency or chronic renal failure (CRF)
- In adult and pediatric patients on dialysis
- Treatment of severe anemia of renal origin accompanied by clinical symptoms in patients with renal insufficiency not yet undergoing dialysis
Note: Epoetin alfa is not intended for patients who require immediate correction of severe anemia
- Treatment of anemia in Zidovudine-treated HIV-infected patients to elevate or maintain the red blood cell (RBC) level (as shown by hematocrit or hemoglobin determinations) and to decrease the need for transfusions
- Treatment of anemia in cancer patients on chemotherapy
- Epoetin alfa is indicated for the treatment of anemia due to the effect of concomitantly administered chometherapy to reduce the need for RBC transfusions in patients with metastatic, non-myeloid malignancies receiving chemotherapy for a minimum of two months
Note:
- Epoetin alfa is not indicated for use in patients receiving hormonal agents, therapeutic biologic products, or radiotherapy, unless receiving concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy
- Epoetin alfa is not indicated for patients receiving therapy when the anticipated outcome is cure
- Epoetin alfa is not indicated for the treatment of anemia in cancer patients due to other factors such as iron or folate deficiencies, hemolysis, or gastrointestinal bleeding
- Epoetin alfa has not been proven to improve symptoms of anemia, quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being
- Reduction of allogeneic blood transfusion in adult surgery patients
- For the treatment of anemic patients (hemoglobin > 10 to ≤ 13 g/dL) who are at high risk for perioperative blood loss from elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery to reduce the need for allogeneic blood transfusion and to facilitate erythropoietic recovery.
- To augment erythropoiesis in the perisurgical period to reduce allogeneic blood transfusions and correct postoperative anemia in adult non-iron deficient patients undergoing major elective orthopedic surgery. Restrict use to patients with moderate anemia (i.e., 10-13 g/dL) who do not have an autologous predonation program available and with expected moderate blood loss (900-1800 mL). Always use good blood management in the perisurgical setting.
- To augment autologous blood collection in a pre-deposit program and to limit the decline in hemoglobin in anemic patients scheduled for major elective surgery requiring a large volume of blood, i.e., ≥ 4 units for females and ≥ 5 units for males, who are not expected to pre-deposit their complete peri-operative blood needs.
Note: Epoitin alfa is not indicated for anemic patients who are willing to donate autologous blood.