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Procrit Injections

The FDA approved Procrit to treat anemia in certain patients with cancer, Procritkidney failure, HIV, and patients requiring major surgery. Procrit is a liquid drug that is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) or directly into a vein (intravenously).

Where is Procrit Injected? 

If the Procrit injection is done subcutaneously, the injection can be made just under the skin of the following body parts:

  • Outer area of the upper arm
  • Middle of the front thighs
  • Stomach (except for a two inch area around the navel)
  • Outer area of the buttocks

The Procrit injection should not be made into skin that is:

Procrit injections should be made into different spots each time. Therefore, it is imperative that patients write down the injection spot into a record book after each Procrit injection.

Who can Administer Procrit Injections?

Typically, doctors or nurses give their patients Procrit injections. The doctor, however, may decide that the patient or her or his relative should administer the Procrit injection. The doctor will ensure that the patient or relative can properly administer the Procrit injection. The person giving the Procrit injection should carefully read the manufacturer’s information before administrating the Procrit injection and follow the doctor’s orders.

Rules for Home Procrit Injections 

If patients or relatives are administrating the Procrit injection at home, there are specific rules that must be followed:

  • Always use a disposable syringe and needle (the doctor will specify the type)
  • Never use a syringe or needle twice
  • Dispose of the used syringe and needle in a puncture-resistant container
  • Ask the doctor where to dispose of the puncture-resistant container (state or local laws may prohibit disposing used syringes or needles into the household trash)
  • Only use a single use vial once, even if its not empty
  • Every Procrit injection must use its own syringe (never mix Procrit with another medication)

Typical Procrit Injection Dosage

Patients Requiring Major Surgery: Procrit injections are usually administered once daily for ten days before surgery, on the day of surgery, and four days following surgery. Doctors may also choose to give Procrit injections once weekly for three weeks before surgery and once on the day of surgery.

Patients with HIV: Procrit injection dosage is based on body weight: 100mg of Procrit per kilogram of body weight. A doctor may increase the dosage if 100mg per kilogram is not effectively working.

Patients with Cancer or Kidney Failure: Doctors tailor the proper Procrit injection dosage individually for each patient. Typically, doctors begin with the lowest possible dose and gradually increase or decrease the dosage.

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Procrit Quick Facts

Procrit Quick Reference Guide
Other Names:

epoetin alfa

Date Approved:
1999

Manufacturer:
Amgen Inc.

Marketer:
Johnson & Johnson

Status:
Black Box Warning

Approved Uses:
Anemia

Serious Side Effects:
Blood Clots
Heart Attacks
Stroke
Death

Common Misspellings:
Procret
Procrot