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Retacrit

Generic name: epoetin alfae-POE-e-tin-AL-fa ]
Brand names: Epogen, Procrit, Retacrit
Drug class: Recombinant human erythropoietins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 13, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Retacrit?

Retacrit is a man-made form of a protein that helps your body produce red blood cells. This protein may be reduced when you have kidney failure or use certain medications. When fewer red blood cells are produced, you can develop a condition called anemia.

Retacrit is used to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy in adults and children at least 5 years old.

Retacrit is also used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease in adults and children at least 1 month old.

Retacrit is also used to treat anemia in adults taking zidovudine to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

Retacrit is also used to reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions in adults having certain types of surgery.

Retacrit may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Retacrit side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, sweating, rapid pulse, wheezing, trouble breathing, severe dizziness or fainting, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Retacrit can cause serious side effects, including heart attack or stroke. Seek emergency medical help if you have:

Retacrit may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Retacrit may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Retacrit can cause serious side effects, including heart attack or stroke. Retacrit may also speed up tumor growth, or shorten remission or survival time in some people. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

You should not use this medicine if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, or if you have ever had pure red cell aplasia (PRCA, a type of anemia) caused by using Retacrit or darbepoetin alfa.

Call your doctor at once if you have signs of a blood clot: sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision or speech, chest pain, trouble breathing, pain or cold feeling in an arm or leg.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to Retacrit or darbepoetin alfa, or if:

Do not use Retacrit from a multi-dose vial when giving medicine to a baby. The multi-dose vial contains an ingredient that can cause serious side effects or death in very young infants or premature babies.

Retacrit may speed up tumor growth, or shorten remission or survival time in some people with certain types of cancer. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 months after your last dose.

Do not use Retacrit from a multi-dose vial if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Retacrit is made from donated human plasma and may contain viruses or other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of contamination, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Ask your doctor about any possible risk.

How should I use Retacrit?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Retacrit is injected under the skin, or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use Retacrit if you don't understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Do not shake Retacrit or you may ruin it.

Call your doctor if you feel weak, tired, or light-headed. These may be signs that your body has stopped responding to Retacrit.

You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects. Your injections may be delayed based on the results.

You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Retacrit. You may need to use a medicine to prevent blood clots.

Retacrit is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include a special diet. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

Store in the refrigerator and protect from light. Do not freeze Retacrit, and throw away the medication if it has become frozen.

Each single-use vial (bottle) of this medicine is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside. Throw away any leftover medicine in a multi-dose vial 21 days after the first use.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of Retacrit.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Retacrit?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Retacrit will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

What other drugs will affect Retacrit?

Other drugs may affect Retacrit, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.