Procrit

Brand name: Procrit

Chemical name: Epoetin alfa

Class: Erythropoiesis stimulating agent. Aranesp and Epogen are other erythropoiesis stimulating agents.

How it works: Erythropoiesis stimulating agents cause bone marrow to make more red blood cells.

Uses: Procrit is used to treat anemia, a lower than average number of red blood cells, that can be caused by chemotherapy.

• Procrit is given at the same time as chemotherapy.
• Procrit treatment stops when chemotherapy stops.

How it's given: Procrit is given intravenously or as an injection 1 to 3 times per week.

Side effects:

• blood clots
• tumor growth/recurrence
• heart problems
• stroke
• headache
• joint pain
• muscle pain
• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• sleeping problems
• diarrhea
• constipation
• rash
• itching
• neuropathy