AMENIA OF RENAL FAILURE DRUGS - ERYTHROPOIESIS STIMULATING AGENTS

Question 1

epoetin alfa is part of which drug class

Answer 1

erythropoiesis stimulating agents

Question 2

uses for epoetin alfa

Answer 2

• anemia of CKD
• chemo related anemia

Question 3

generic name is epoetin alfa- what is the route of administration

Answer 3

brand name is epogen/ procit/ retacrit
- IV/ SC

Question 4

generic name is darbepoetin alfa

Answer 4

brand name is aranesp - longacting form

Question 5

contraindications of epoetin alfa

Answer 5

• Hypersensitivity to epoetin alfa or albumin or mammalian cell-derived products
• Cancer patients whose anemia is caused by factors other than chemotherapy.
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Pure red-cell aplasia that begins after treatment with any erythropoietin protein drugs.

Question 6

warning of epoetin alfa

Answer 6

• BLACK BOX WARNING
• may increase risk of death, MI, stroke, venous thromboembolism, thrombosis.
• especially when treatment leads to Hgb >11 g/dL.
• shortened survival/ increased rate of progression with certain malignancies.
• breast, non-small cell lung, head and neck, lymphoid and cervical cancers