Call your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for help with the instructions. During the first 3 months of treatment with epoetin alfa, use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Epoetin alfa has been reported to cause seizures in patients on dialysis, although this side effect is uncommon. If seizures occur, they generally do so during the first 90 days of treatment. Epoetin alfa is a man-made form of a naturally occurring protein called erythropoietin.
Erythropoietin is produced in the kidney and stimulates the production of red blood cells.
The production of erythropoietin may be diminished when the kidneys are damaged. Medications may also decrease the number of red blood cells. Epoetin alfa is used to treat anemia by stimulating red blood cell production. Epoetin alfa may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide. You may not be able to use epoetin alfa, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.