Side Effects of epoetin alfa: A Synthesis of Findings from 28 Studies
- Home
- Side Effects of epoetin alfa
This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.
This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. If you have concerns about "Side Effects of epoetin alfa: A Synthesis of Findings from 28 Studies", please consult your doctor.
For NLM copyright information, please see Link to NLM Copyright Page
PubMed data is obtained via Hugging Face Datasets: Link to DatasetPlease check the disclaimer.
Main Research Findings
Epoetin alfa is widely used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, cancer, and other diseases. This collection of papers reveals several key findings regarding the safety and effectiveness of epoetin alfa.
For example, 23 reports that epoetin alfa can help maintain high hemoglobin levels, which in turn improves heart function and quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease. On the other hand, 21 highlights the risks of cardiovascular events associated with epoetin alfa use and details how the FDA added a black box warning in 2007 to emphasize these concerns.
Furthermore, 28 discusses a rare side effect associated with epoetin alfa use called pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). PRCA is caused by the production of antibodies against epoetin alfa and can lead to severe complications. 17 provides a comprehensive review of current knowledge regarding the etiology of antibody-mediated pure red cell aplasia and its treatment.
Other findings include the potential of epoetin alfa to reduce psychological distress in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy ( 11 ), its promising role as an add-on treatment for the cognitive side effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) ( 5 ), and its potential to protect bone marrow cells from the genotoxicity of chemotherapy drugs like mitomycin C and cisplatin ( 13 , 16 ).
Reasons for Side Effects
Side effects of epoetin alfa can arise from several factors.
One factor is that epoetin alfa promotes the growth of vascular endothelial cells when it stimulates red blood cell production. This can increase the risk of thrombosis and stroke. Additionally, epoetin alfa can increase the contractile force of the heart, potentially straining the organ. Furthermore, epoetin alfa can suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of infections.
Another factor is the ingredients in epoetin alfa formulations. Specifically, some components of epoetin alfa formulations may trigger immune reactions. Therefore, using epoetin alfa can potentially lead to allergic reactions or autoimmune disorders.
Side effects of epoetin alfa can vary depending on the dosage and method of administration. Generally, higher doses increase the risk of side effects. Subcutaneous administration tends to have a lower risk of side effects compared to intravenous administration.
Common Side Effects
Thrombosis
Epoetin alfa can increase the risk of thrombosis due to its ability to stimulate vascular endothelial cell growth. Thrombosis is a condition where blood clots form and block blood vessels. Thrombosis can lead to serious diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.
Hypertension
Epoetin alfa can increase the risk of hypertension because it can constrict blood vessels. Hypertension can strain the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Cardiovascular Events
Epoetin alfa can increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. 21 ,
Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA)
This is a rare side effect caused by the production of antibodies against epoetin alfa. PRCA results in the suppression of red blood cell production, leading to severe anemia. 28 , 17
Allergic Reactions
Components in epoetin alfa formulations can trigger allergic reactions. Allergic reactions can manifest as symptoms such as hives and difficulty breathing. 28
Autoimmune Diseases
Components in epoetin alfa formulations can trigger autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. 28
Side Effect Management
Thrombosis
To reduce the risk of thrombosis, the dosage of epoetin alfa may need to be adjusted, or anticoagulants may be used concurrently.
Hypertension
To reduce the risk of hypertension, the dosage of epoetin alfa may need to be adjusted, or antihypertensive medications may be used concurrently.
Cardiovascular Events
To reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, the dosage of epoetin alfa may need to be adjusted, and lifestyle modifications should be implemented. 21 ,
Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA)
Since PRCA is caused by the production of antibodies against epoetin alfa, the use of epoetin alfa should be discontinued. 28 , 17
Allergic Reactions
If allergic reactions occur, epoetin alfa use should be stopped, and medical attention should be sought immediately. 28
Autoimmune Diseases
If autoimmune diseases occur, epoetin alfa use should be stopped, and medical attention should be sought immediately. 28
Comparison Across Studies
Similarities in Studies
All of these studies aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of epoetin alfa. Many studies highlight the risk of cardiovascular events associated with epoetin alfa use.
Differences in Studies
These studies differ in the populations studied and research methodologies. For example, 23 focused on patients with chronic kidney disease, while 21 investigated cancer patients. 23 examined the relationship between epoetin alfa dosage and hemoglobin levels, while 11 explored the impact of epoetin alfa on patient psychological states.
Important Considerations for Real-World Applications
Epoetin alfa is an effective medication for treating anemia, but it's important to remember the risk of side effects. When using epoetin alfa, it's crucial to consult with your doctor to determine the appropriate dosage and administration method based on your individual condition.
Additionally, when using epoetin alfa, regular blood tests are important to detect potential side effects early. If you suspect side effects, consult your doctor promptly.
Limitations of Current Research
These studies all involved specific populations, and their findings may not apply to everyone. Additionally, these studies are based on relatively short follow-up periods, and long-term effects remain unclear.
Future Research Directions
Further research is necessary to comprehensively investigate the safety and efficacy of epoetin alfa. Specifically, studies should focus on long-term effects and the risk of side effects in various populations.
Conclusion
Epoetin alfa is an effective treatment for anemia, but it's important to be aware of the potential side effects. When using epoetin alfa, consult your doctor for appropriate dosage and administration methods based on your individual condition. Regular blood tests are crucial to detect side effects early, and prompt medical attention should be sought if side effects are suspected.
Benefit Keywords
Risk Keywords
Article Type
Author: García-ArnésJ A, García-CasaresN
Language : English
Author: BalestracciAlejandro, CaponeMarina Andrea, Meni BattagliaLuciana, ToledoIsmael, MartinSandra Mariel, BeaudoinLaura, BalbaryskiJeanette, GómezLorena
Language : English
Author: QuWei-Ying, ZhaoLin, TanXv-Cheng, ZhaoYi-Han
Language : English
Author: YangJichun, YuShuqing, YangZhirong, YanYusong, ChenYao, ZengHongmei, MaFei, ShiYanxia, ShiYehui, ZhangZilu, SunFeng
Language : English
Author: SchmidtLejla Sjanic, PetersenJeff Zarp, VinbergMaj, HagemanIda, OlsenNiels Vidiendal, KessingLars Vedel, JørgensenMartin Balslev, MiskowiakKamilla Woznica
Language : English
Author: MehrStanton R, ZimmermanMarj P
Language : English
Author: CariouAlain, DeyeNicolas, VivienBenoît, RichardOlivier, PichonNicolas, BourgAngèle, HuetLoïc, BuleonClément, FreyJérôme, AsfarPierre, LegrielStéphane, NarcisseSophie, MathonnetArmelle, CravoisyAurélie, DequinPierre-François, WielEric, RazaziKeyvan, DaubinCédric, KimmounAntoine, LamhautLionel, MarxJean-Sébastien, de la GaranderieDidier Payen, EcollanPatrick, CombesAlain, SpauldingChristian, BaratFlorence, Ben BoutiebMyriam, CosteJoël, ChicheJean-Daniel, PèneFrédéric, MiraJean-Paul, TreluyerJean-Marc, HermineOlivier, CarliPierre,
Language : English
Author: BuschStephanie, KanntAimo, KolibabkaMatthias, SchlottererAndreas, WangQian, LinJihong, FengYuxi, HoffmannSigrid, GretzNorbert, HammesHans-Peter
Language : English
Author: KimHyun Ah, ParkJin Hyeong, YiNa, LeeMinhyung
Language : English
Author: KoçakF E, ErdoğanE, OzyıgıtF, YerlıkayaA
Language : English
Author: Del PreteSalvatore, CinieriSaverio, LorussoVito, MaiorinoLuigi, PizzaCarmine, PisanoAgata, MontesarchioVincenzo, LeoLuigi, SavastanoClementina, PistoleseGiuseppe, BiancoMaddalena, MabiliaRoberto, TonachellaRiccardo, FebbraroAntonio, ManzioneLuigi, PalazzoSalvatore, FilippelliGianfranco, VincenziBruno, BarbatoEnrico, CennamoGregorio, RiccardiFerdinando, MissoGabriella, CaragliaMichele, AddeoRaffaele
Language : English
Author: MagwoodJametta S, LebbyAkida, ChenBrian, KesslerSam, NorrisLeAnn, BennettCharles L
Language : English
Author: Rjiba-TouatiKarima, Ayed-BoussemaImen, GuedriYosra, AchourAbdelatif, BachaHassen, AbidSalwa
Language : English
Author: BrančíkováD, OstřížkováL, ProtivánkováM, BednaříkO, MechlZ
Language : Czech
Author: KullmannTamás, CulineStéphane
Language : Hungarian
Author: Rjiba-TouatiKarima, Ayed-BoussemaImen, SkhiriHabib, BelarbiaAnis, ZellemaDorsaf, AchourAbdelatif, BachaHassen
Language : English
Author: MacdougallIain C, RogerSimon D, de FranciscoAngel, GoldsmithDavid J A, SchellekensHuub, EbbersHans, JelkmannWolfgang, LondonGérard, CasadevallNicole, HörlWalter H, KemenyDavid M, PollockCarol
Language : English
Author: KrämerIrene
Language : German
Author: SteensmaDavid P
Language : English
Author: PatelMeenakshi, ThimonsDavid G, WinstonJaron L, LangholffWayne, McGowanTracy
Language : English
Author: ChanQingru, ChanAlexandre
Language : English
Author: YongKenneth, KairaitisLukas
Language : English
Author: HirakataHideki, TsubakiharaYoshiharu, GejyoFumitake, NishiShinichi, IinoYasuhiko, WatanabeYuzou, SuzukiMasashi, SaitoAkira, AkibaTakashi, InagumaDaijo, FukuharaShunichi, MoritaSatoshi, HiroeMichiaki, HadaYoshiyuki, SuzukiMakoto, AkaishiMakoto, AonumaKazutaka, AkizawaTadao
Language : English
Author: WarmMathias, KatesRonald, ThomasAnke, FischerThomas, HarbeckNadia
Language : English
Author: Marec-BerardPerrine, ChastagnerPascal, Kassab-ChahmiDiana, CasadevallNicole, MarchalChristian, MissetJean-Louis, Ray-CoquardIsabelle
Language : English
Author: MuellerRobert, KarleAnette, VogtAnne, KropshoferHarald, RossAlfred, MaederKarsten, MahlerHanns-Christian
Language : English
Author: Ray-CoquardI, DussartS, GoillotC, MayeurD, DebourdeauP, GhesquieresH, BachelotT, Le CesneA, AnglaretB, AgostiniC, GuastallaJ-P, LancryL, BironP, DesseigneF, BlayJ-Y
Language : English
Author: McKoyJune M, StonecashRobin E, CournoyerDenis, RossertJerome, NissensonAllen R, RaischDennis W, CasadevallNicole, BennettCharles L
Language : English
This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.