What are the possible side effects of epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit)?
Contact your doctor if you feel weak, lightheaded, or short of breath, or if your skin looks pale. These may be signs that your body has stopped responding to this medication. Epoetin alfa can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use epoetin alfa. Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as: • chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling; • feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion; • sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; • sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance; or • pain or swelling in one or both legs. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using epoetin alfa and call your doctor at onc
