Renogen Indications/Uses

Epoetin alpha (Renogen) is indicated in the following: Treatment of anemia associated with CRF: Epoetin alpha indicated in patients with anemia on dialysis (ESRD) and patients not on dialysis. Epoetin alpha can elevate or maintain the red blood cell level (as manifested by the hematocrit or hemoglobin determinations) and decrease the need for transfusions in these patients. Patients who do not undergo dialysis but with symptomatic anemia considered for therapy should have a hematocrit less than 30%. Epoetin alpha is not intended for patients who require immediate correction of severe anemia.
Epoetin alpha may prevent the need for maintenance transfusions but is not a substitute for emergency transfusion.
Patient's iron stores should be evaluated prior to initiation of therapy.
Transferrin saturation should be at least 20% and ferritin at least 100 ng/mL.
Blood pressure should be adequately controlled prior to initiation of Epoetin alpha therapy, and must be closely monitored and controlled during therapy. Epoetin alpha should be administered under the guidance of a qualified physician.
Treatment of Anemia in Zidovudine treated HIV-infected patients: Epoetin alpha is indicated for the anemia related to therapy with zidovudine in HIV-infected patients.
Epoetin alpha is not indicated for the treatment of anemia in HIV-infected patients due to other factors such as iron or folate deficiencies, hemolysis or gastrointestinal bleeding, which should be managed appropriately.
Epoetin alpha at a dose of 100 units/kg three times weekly is effective in decreasing the transfusion requirement and increasing the red blood cell level of anemic, HIV-infected patients treated with zidovudine, when the endogenous serum erythropoietin level is ≤ 500 units/mL and when patients are receiving a dose of zidovudine ≤ 4200 mg/week.
Treatment of Anemia in Cancer Patients on Chemotherapy: Epoetin alpha is indicated for the treatment of anemia in patients with non-myeloid malignancies where anemia is due to the effect of concomitantly administered chemotherapy. Epoetin alpha is indicated to decrease the need for transfusions in patients who will be receiving concomitant chemotherapy for a minimum of 2 months. Epoetin alpha is not indicated for the treatment of anemia in cancer patients due to other factors such as iron or folate deficiencies, hemolysis or gastrointestinal bleeding, which should be managed appropriately.