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Allergy to PROCRIT Patients occasionally experience redness, swelling, or itching at the site of injection of PROCRIT. This may indicate an allergy to the components of PROCRIT, 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 PROCRIT, 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 PROCRIT and notify a doctor or emergency medical personnel immediately. How will I know if PROCRIT is working? Text Continues Below
The effectiveness of PROCRIT is measured by the increase in hematocrit (the amount of red blood cells in the blood) that results from PROCRIT 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 PROCRIT that is needed to make the hematocrit increase, varies from patient to patient. What is the most important inf ormation I should know about PROCRIT and CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE? PROCRIT has been prescribed for you by your doctor because you: 1. Have anemia due to your kidney disease.
2. Are able to dialyze at home.
3. Have been determined to be able to administer PROCRIT 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. Page: << Prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Next >>
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