What is PROCRIT Used For?
PROCRIT (epoetin alfa) is a prescription medication used to treat anemia (low red blood cell count) caused by chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy or some HIV treatments. It helps stimulate red blood cell production to reduce the need for blood transfusions.
Efficacy And Statistics Of Procrit
1. PROCRIT in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Anemia
- Effectiveness:
- In CKD patients on dialysis; PROCRIT increased hemoglobin (Hb) levels by 1–2 g/dL within 4–6 weeks.
- 90% of patients responded with improved hemoglobin levels.
- Reduced the need for blood transfusions by ~50% in CKD patients.
- Clinical Study Data:
- A study in Dialysis Patients showed that 88% of patients achieved Hb >10 g/dL after 12 weeks of PROCRIT therapy.
- A Cochrane Review (2012) found that erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) like PROCRIT reduced the risk of needing a transfusion by 47% in CKD patients.
- Target Hemoglobin Levels:
- FDA recommends maintaining Hb between 10–11 g/dL because of the risk of stroke and cardiovascular events if Hb exceeds 12 g/dL.
- Studies indicate a 51% increased risk of stroke if Hb rises above 12 g/dL.
2. PROCRIT in Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia (CIA)
- Effectiveness:
- PROCRIT increased hemoglobin by 1–2 g/dL over 4–8 weeks in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
- 60–70% of patients had a significant increase in Hb levels.
- Reduced the need for transfusions by 30–50% compared to placebo.
- Clinical Study Data:
- In a phase III trial of 375 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy:
- Hb increased by ≥2 g/dL in 68% of PROCRIT-treated patients.
- The need for transfusions dropped from 36% (placebo) to 17% (PROCRIT group).
- In a phase III trial of 375 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy:
- Safety Concerns:
- Increased risk of tumor progression in some cancers and cause to a black box warning.
- FDA recommends using PROCRIT only when Hb <10 g/dL in cancer patients.
3. PROCRIT in HIV-Related Anemia
- Effectiveness:
- 80% of HIV patients with zidovudine-induced anemia responded to PROCRIT.
- Transfusion requirements were reduced by ~40%.
- Clinical Study Data:
- A randomized trial of 150 HIV patients showed:
- Hb increased by 1.5 g/dL in 75% of patients after 8 weeks.
- 45% of patients on placebo required transfusions versus 21% on PROCRIT.
- A randomized trial of 150 HIV patients showed:
- Target Hemoglobin:
- Goal Hb: 10–12 g/dL to minimize cardiovascular risks.
4. Safety and Risks of PROCRIT
- Increased risk of cardiovascular events:
- A study in >4000 patients found that patients receiving high doses of PROCRIT had a 34% increased risk of heart attack, stroke and death when Hb exceeded 12 g/dL.
- Blood clot risk:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurred in ~1–2% of patients using PROCRIT.
- Hypertension:
- 25–30% of patients experienced increased blood pressure requiring medication adjustments.
Summary of Key Efficacy Metrics
| Condition | Response Rate (%) | Hb Increase (g/dL) | Transfusion Reduction (%) | Time to Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CKD Anemia (Dialysis) | 88–90% | 1–2 | 50% | 4–6 weeks |
| Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia | 60–70% | 1–2 | 30–50% | 4–8 weeks |
| HIV-Related Anemia | 80% | 1.5–2 | 40% | 6–8 weeks |
What Are The Side Effects Of Procrit?
1. Common Side Effects Of Procrit (Affecting >5% of Patients)
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension); Reported in 25–30% of patients.
- Headache; Affects 10–15% of users.
- Joint, Muscle or Bone Pain; Experienced by 5–10% of patients.
- Fever (Pyrexia); Seen in 5–7% of patients.
- Nausea/Vomiting; Reported by 4–6% of users.
- Fatigue; Common in cancer patients on chemotherapy.
2. Serious Side Effects Of Procrit (Require Immediate Medical Attention)
a) Cardiovascular Risks
- Blood Clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism)
- Risk increases in surgical patients not receiving blood thinners.
- Incidence: ~1–2% of patients.
- Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
- Studies show a 34% increased risk in patients whose hemoglobin levels rise above 12 g/dL.
- Stroke
- 51% higher stroke risk when Hb exceeds 12 g/dL.
- Increased Risk of Death
- A clinical trial in CKD patients showed a 25% higher risk of death when Hb levels were aggressively raised.
b) Increased Tumor Growth in Cancer Patients
- PROCRIT may shorten survival and increase tumor progression in some cancers.
- The FDA Black Box Warning recommends using PROCRIT only when Hb <10 g/dL in cancer patients.
c) Severe Allergic Reactions (Rare, <1%)
- Symptoms: Swelling of face/lips, difficulty breathing, rash, hives.
- Incidence: Estimated at 0.2–0.5% of patients.
d) Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA) – Extremely Rare but Serious
- A rare autoimmune condition where the body stops producing red blood cells.
- Reported in <0.01% of patients, mostly linked to subcutaneous administration.
3. Long-Term Risks & Considerations Of Procrit
- Iron Deficiency:
- PROCRIT increases red blood cell production, which can deplete iron stores.
- Iron supplements are often required to maximize treatment efficacy.
- Seizures:
- Reported in ~1% of patients, especially in those with CKD.
- Fluid Retention & Swelling:
- Seen in 3–5% of patients.
Summary of Side Effects Of Procrit by Severity
| Side Effect | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| High blood pressure | 25–30% | Moderate |
| Headache | 10–15% | Mild |
| Fever | 5–7% | Mild |
| Nausea/Vomiting | 4–6% | Mild |
| Fatigue | 5–10% | Mild |
| Blood clots (DVT/PE) | 1–2% | Severe |
| Heart attack | 1–2% | Severe |
| Stroke | 1–2% | Severe |
| Severe allergic reaction | <1% | Severe |
| Pure Red Cell Aplasia | <0.01% | Severe |
When to Contact a Doctor
Seek medical help immediately if you experience:
- Signs of a stroke: Sudden numbness, confusion or trouble speaking.
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing.
- Swelling in the legs or severe headaches.
- Unusual fatigue or pale skin (signs of PRCA).
What Are The Costs Of Procrit?
Cost in the United States:
- Per Dose: The price for a 1 mL vial of PROCRIT (10,000 units/mL) is about $280.62.
- Per Package: A package containing four 1 mL multi-dose vials (10,000 units/mL each) is priced at around $517.74.
What Are The Dosages Of Procrit?
1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Anemia
- Patients on Dialysis:
- Starting dose: 50–100 units/kg IV or subcutaneously (SC) 3 times per week
- Dose adjustments: Increase or decrease by 25% based on hemoglobin (Hb) response
- Target Hb: 10–11 g/dL (Do not exceed 12 g/dL because of the stroke risk)
- Patients NOT on Dialysis:
- Starting dose: 50–100 units/kg SC once weekly
- Same dose adjustments as dialysis patients
2. Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia
- Starting dose: 150 units/kg SC 3 times per week OR 40,000 units SC once weekly
- Dose adjustments:
- Increase to 300 units/kg 3x per week if no response after 4 weeks
- If Hb rises >1 g/dL in 2 weeks, reduce dose by 25%
- Target Hb: Avoid exceeding 12 g/dL
3. HIV-Related Anemia (Zidovudine-Induced)
- Starting dose: 100 units/kg SC or IV 3 times per week
- Dose adjustments: Increase by 50–100 units/kg every 4–8 weeks if Hb does not increase by 1 g/dL
- Target Hb: 10–12 g/dL
4. Surgery Patients (Reducing Blood Transfusions)
- Starting dose: 300 units/kg/day SC for 15 days before surgery and 4 days after
- Alternative dosing: 600 units/kg SC once weekly for 3 weeks before surgery
5. Pediatric Patients (CKD-Related Anemia)
- Starting dose: 50 units/kg IV or SC 3 times per week
- Adjustments: Increase dose by 25% if no response in 4 weeks
Key Dosage Summary Table
| Condition | Starting Dose | Frequency | Route | Target Hb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CKD (Dialysis) | 50–100 units/kg | 3x per week | IV or SC | 10–11 g/dL |
| CKD (Non-Dialysis) | 50–100 units/kg | Once weekly | SC | 10–11 g/dL |
| Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia | 150 units/kg OR 40,000 units | 3x per week OR once weekly | SC | Avoid >12 g/dL |
| HIV-Related Anemia | 100 units/kg | 3x per week | IV or SC | 10–12 g/dL |
| Surgery Patients | 300 units/kg (daily) OR 600 units/kg (weekly) | 15 days before & 4 days after OR 3 weeks before | SC | Reduce transfusions |
| Pediatric CKD Anemia | 50 units/kg | 3x per week | IV or SC | 10–11 g/dL |
Dosage Adjustments
- Increase dose if Hb does not rise by 1 g/dL in 4 weeks
- Reduce dose by 25% if Hb rises too quickly (>1 g/dL in 2 weeks)
- Discontinue if no response after 12 weeks of optimal dosing
Advices for PROCRIT (Epoetin Alfa) Users
1. Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions Carefully
- Do not change your dose without consulting your doctor.
- Monitor your hemoglobin (Hb) levels regularly to avoid dangerous increases.
- Do not use PROCRIT if your hemoglobin is above 12 g/dL, because this can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack and blood clots.
2. Monitor for Side Effects
- Common side effects: Headache, nausea, joint pain, fever and high blood pressure.
- Serious side effects:
- High blood pressure; Report severe headaches, dizziness or blurred vision.
- Blood clots; Watch for swelling, redness or pain in the legs or sudden chest pain.
- Stroke symptoms; Weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech or confusion.
- Severe allergic reactions; Swelling of the face, difficulty breathing or rash.
If you experience any severe side effects, get immediate medical help.
3. Take Precautions if You Have Other Medical Conditions
- High blood pressure (Hypertension): Monitor your blood pressure regularly, as PROCRIT can raise it.
- Cancer Patients: PROCRIT may promote tumor growth in some cancers, so it should only be used when necessary.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Maintain proper iron levels for PROCRIT to work effectively.
4. Iron Supplementation May Be Necessary
- PROCRIT increases red blood cell production, which can deplete iron levels.
- Your doctor may recommend iron supplements (oral or IV) to enhance effectiveness.
- Iron-rich foods: Include lean meats, fish, leafy greens, beans and fortified cereals in your diet.
5. Injection and Storage Guidelines
- Route: Can be given intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously (SC) – confirm which method your doctor recommends.
- Storage: Keep PROCRIT in the refrigerator (2–8°C / 36–46°F) but do not freeze.
- Injection Tips:
- Let the vial or syringe warm to room temperature before injecting.
- Do not shake the vial as this can damage the protein.
- Use a new syringe for each injection to avoid contamination.
6. Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations
- Stay hydrated to help red blood cell production.
- Follow a balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid to support PROCRIT’s effects.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol use, as these can affect blood production and increase health risks.
7. Know When to Stop or Adjust Treatment
- PROCRIT is not a long-term solution for anemia in all cases.
- If your hemoglobin does not increase within 12 weeks, your doctor may stop the treatment.
- Regular blood tests are needed to determine when to adjust or stop PROCRIT.
We wish you a healthy and happy life. Also you can find a details and early signs of stroke in below:
