EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) is used for the treatment of anaemia in patients with long-term kidney disease (chronic kidney disease). It is used to reduce the need of blood transfusions prior to surgery. It is also used to treat anaemia in HIV and cancer patients.

EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) may also be prescribed for other conditions as determined by the doctor.

EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) is a recombinant human erythropoietin, which belongs to the class of drugs called colony-stimulating factors. This drug acts by stimulating the bone marrow to increase the production of red blood cells. Thus, it normalises the erythropoietin levels in patients with anaemia.

The dosage and the drug form depend on the age, weight and medical condition of an individual.

EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) injection should be administered only under the medical supervision. Always use a disposable needle and syringe for injecting the medicine.

Please consult your doctor if you miss a dose of EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) .

Drugs that interact with EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) include the following:

• Carfilzomib
• Lenalidomide
• Pomalidomide
• Thalidomide

This is not a comprehensive list of drug interactions. Consult your doctor to know more about other possible drug interactions.

The following are the most common side effects of EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) :

• Headache
• Cough
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sores in the mouth
• Pain at the site of injection
• Indigestion
• Constipation
• Difficulty falling asleep

The following are the severe side effects and you may require immediate medical attention:

• Wheezing
• Fever
• Unusual tiredness
• Dizziness
• Swelling of the face, throat or eyes
• Hives
• Depression

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Please consult your doctor to know more about other possible side effects.

• Avoid using the medicine if you are allergic to EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) or similar drugs.
• Limit the use of alcoholic beverages while on EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) medication.
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) causes dizziness or blurred vision.
• Avoid EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) if you have a history of myelogenous leukaemia (a type of cancer originated from bone marrow) or uncontrolled hypertension.
• Avoid using EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) medication without medical supervision.
• Avoid receiving EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) during pregnancy as the safe use of the drug is not yet established.
• Seek doctors advice before taking any other drug or herbal products while on EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) medication.

• Tell your doctor if you have any history of bleeding problems, high blood pressure, liver disease or seizures.
• Inform the doctor if you are taking any other drugs, OTC medications, herbal products or nutritional supplements.
• Notify the doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

1. Do I need to be monitored for any laboratory parameters while using EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) ?

You must monitor your complete blood count (CBC) while on EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) medication.

2. Is it safe to receive vaccination while on EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) medication?

Consult your doctor before receiving any vaccination while using EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) .

3. How long does EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) take to show its side effects?

It may take 2 to 6 weeks to normalise your blood cell count. Please consult your doctor for further information.

4. What is the dosage of EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) in Zidovudine-treated patients?

The recommended dosage of EPOFER 40000IU Injection (PFS) in patients who are on Zidovudine is 100 units/kg 3 times weekly.