Use
Epoetin alfa, rEPO (Epogen, Procrit), isthe recombinant human erythropoietin produced in Chinesehamster ovary cells into which the human erythropoietin genehas been inserted. These mammalian cells glycosylate theprotein in a manner similar to that observed in human cells.Epoetin alfa is indicated in anemic patients with chronicrenal failure, including both those who require regular dialysisand those who do not. Epoetin alfa is also indicated inanemia associated with AIDS, treatment of AIDS with zidovudine,frequent blood donations, and neoplastic diseases.It is indicated to prevent anemia in patients who donateblood prior to surgery for future autologoustransfusions and to reduce the need for repeated maintenancetransfusions. The hormone is available as an isotonicbuffered solution, which is administered by the intravenousroute. The solution should not be frozen or shakenand is stored at 36°F to 46°F.