Shanpoietein  [FAQS]

What is Erythropoietin?  
 
Erythropoietin is a naturally occurring hormone, produced by the kidneys, which stimulates the body to produce more red blood cells. It is used to treat anaemia, which can be a disease in its own right or a symptom of another disease, like kidney failure. It can be given to people with cancer who have anaemia, either because of the disease or their chemotherapy treatment. It has also become more widely known as a drug used by athletes but its use in sport is illegal and it can be detected by drug tests.		 
   
2.How is it given?  
 It is generally given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous or SC). It usually needs to be given one to three times a week. Erythropoietin is usually given using a pre-filled syringe. Patients can learn to take the injections or your community or practice nurse can give them. 
 
 
   
3.What are the side effects?  
 
In our experience, side effects of erythropoietin are very rare but each person reacts differently to medicines and it’s a good idea to know about them just in case.		 
 High Blood pressure: 
 Complaint of having a headache or feeling dizzy. Blood pressure will be checked regularly during treatment but please tell your doctor or nurse if this occurs. 
 Skin reactions: Please tell your doctor if you develop any rashes. 
 Epileptic fits: These may sometimes occur if you are taking erythropoietin so anti-epileptic medicines may be given. 
 Headaches: Tell the doctor if you have complaints of headaches while having treatment. You can take to relieve any pain, unless your doctor has advised against this. 
 Very rare side effects: Flu-like symptoms and bone pain. You may have headaches, aching joints and muscles, a temperature, lethargy and chills. You may take paracetamol to relieve these symptoms, unless your doctor has advised against this. 
 If you are concerned about any of these side effects, please ring one of the contact numbers on this fact sheet and ask to speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist 
 Allergy to SHANPOIETIN 
 Patients occasionally experience redness, swelling, or itching at the site of injection of Shanpoietin. This may indicate an allergy to the components of Shanpoietin, or it may indicate a local reaction. If you have a local reaction, consult your doctor. A potentially more serious reaction would be a generalized allergy to Shanpoietin, which could cause a rash over the whole body, shortness of breath, wheezing, reduction in blood pressure, fast pulse, or sweating. Severe cases of generalized allergy may be life threatening. If you think you are having a generalized allergic reaction, stop taking Shanpoietin and notify a doctor or emergency medical personnel immediately 
 Important information: 
 •Keep erythropoietin, like all medicines, in a safe place out of the reach of children. 
 •Erythropoietin should be stored in your fridge, between 2° and 8°C. 
 •It should be taken as directed by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist 
 •Do not shake the bottle. 
 •Store out of direct light. 
    
4.How will I know if SHANPOIETIN is working?  
 
The effectiveness of Shanpoietin is measured by the increase in hematocrit (the amount of red blood cells in the blood) that results from Shanpoietin therapy. The rise in hematocrit is not immediate. It usually takes about 2- 6 weeks before the hematocrit starts to rise. The amount of time it takes, and the dose of Shanpoietin that is needed to make the hematocrit increase, varies from patient to patient.		 
   
5.What is the most important information I should know about Shanpoietin and Chronic Renal Failure?  
 
Your doctor has prescribed Shanpoietin for you because you have anemia due to your kidney disease. You have been determined to be able to administer Shanpoietin without direct medical or other supervision. A lack of energy or feeling of tiredness is the major symptom of anemia. Additional symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and feeling cold all the time. The reason for these symptoms is that there is a lack of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen, which is important for all of the body’s functions. When there are fewer red blood cells, the body does not get all the oxygen it needs. Kidneys remove toxins from the blood; they also measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. If there is not enough oxygen, the kidneys will produce a hormone called erythropoietin.
Erythropoietin is released into the blood- stream and travels to the bone marrow where red blood cells are made. Erythropoietin signals the bone marrow to make more oxygen-carrying red blood cells. As the kidneys fail, they stop cleansing toxins from your blood. They also make less erythropoietin than they should. Therefore, the bone marrow does not receive a strong-enough signal to make the oxygen-carrying red blood cells. Fewer red blood cells are produced so the muscles, brain, and other parts of the body do not get the oxygen they need to function properly. Most patients treated with Shanpoietin no longer need blood transfusions. However, certain medical conditions, or unexpected blood loss, may result in the need for a transfusion.