Retacrit

What is Retacrit?

Retacrit is an artificial form of a protein that helps the body create red blood cells. This protein is reduced in the event of kidney problems or when taking certain medicines. If fewer red blood cells are created, you will be diagnosed with a condition known as anemia.Retacrit can be used to treat anemia resulting from chemotherapy in children and adults who are at least 5 years old.Retacrit can also be used to treat anemia that is caused by chronic renal disease in children and adults who are at least one month old.Retacrit can also be used to treat anemia in adults who are taking zidovudine to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).Retacrit also helps lessen the requirement for transfusions of red blood cells in patients who have certain kinds of surgical procedures.Retacrit can also be used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline for medication.

Side effects of Retacrit

Take immediate medical attention. If you notice symptoms that indicate an allergy (hives sweating, wheezing, rapid heartbeat and trouble breathing, extreme fainting or dizziness, and swelling of your throat or face) or a severe reaction to your skin (fever and sore throat, eye burning, irritation, or a red or purple eruption with peeling and blisters),

Retacrit may cause severe side effects, like cardiac arrest and stroke. Get medical attention in an emergency. If you experience:

• Heart attack symptoms include chest pain or pressure, the pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder and causes nausea and sweating.
• Indications of a blood clot: pain, swelling, warmth, chilling sensation, or the appearance of an arm, leg, or
• Symptoms of strokes: sudden weakening or numbness (especially for one leg) and sudden intense headaches or slurred speech. Issues with balance or vision.

Retacrit could cause severe adverse reactions. Consult your doctor immediately if you suffer from:

• Uncommon fatigue;
• A seizure (convulsions);
• High blood sugar—increased thirst, more frequent frequency of urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor
• Lower potassium—leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering around your chest, and increased thirst or urination Tingling or numbness, muscles becoming weak or sluggish,
• High blood pressure, a severe headache, blurred or shaky vision, or the pounding of your neck or ears. Stress and nosebleeds.

Common adverse effects of Retacrit include:

• Chills, fever, cough, feeling breathless;
• Low potassium, or low white blood cell count;
• Blood vessel blockage;
• High blood sugar levels;
• Joint pain, bone pain, muscular pain, or spasms;
• Itching or itching
• Mouth pain, difficulty swallowing;
• Nausea, vomiting;
• Headache, dizziness;
• Difficulty sleep;
• Depression;
• Weight loss;
• Pain or redness on the area of the injection

There isn't an exhaustive listing of all possible adverse reactions, but other impacts could exist. Consult your physician for medical advice regarding adverse reactions. It is possible to report any adverse negative effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Retacrit could cause serious adverse side effects, including heart attacks or strokes. Retacrit could also speed up the growth of tumors or cut down the time to remission or even death for some individuals. Discuss with your physician the potential risks and benefits from taking this medicine..It is not recommended to take this medicine if you are suffering from uncontrolled blood pressure or have ever suffered from an aplasia of the red cells (PRCA, a kind of anemia) caused by Retacrit as well as darbepoetin alfa.Consult your doctor immediately if you are experiencing indications that a blood clot has formed, sudden weakness or numbness in your vision, difficulty with chest pain, breathing problems, or feeling cold in the leg or arm.

Before you take this drug

This medication is used if your body is allergic to Retacrit or Darbepoetin alfa or if you suffer from any of the following:

• You have not treated or controlled your high blood pressure.
• You've had the pure form of red cell anemia (PRCA, which is a kind of anemia) after treatment with darbRetacrit and Retacrit
• You are using a Retacrit multi-dose vial, and you are breastfeeding or pregnant.

Do not use Retacrit from the multi-dose vial while administering medicine to babies. The multi-dose bottle contains an ingredient that may cause serious adverse reactions or even death in infants, newborns, or premature infants.Retacrit can increase the rate of growth of tumors or reduce remission or survival time for some patients suffering from specific kinds of cancer. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medication.

Speak to your doctor if you have ever suffered from:

• The heart condition High blood pressure
• A heart attack, stroke, or a blood clot
• A seizure disorder;
• Phenylketonuria (PKU);
• Kidney disease (or those who are taking dialysis).

It is unclear if this medication could cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant.Avoid breastfeeding while taking this medicine for a minimum of 2 months after the last dose.Do not take Retacrit from the multi-dose vial if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.Retacrit is derived from human plasma donated by donors and could contain viruses and other infectious agents. Plasma donated is examined and treated to decrease the risk of contamination; however, there is a chance that it could be a carrier of diseases. Consult your physician about the danger.

How to take Retacrit?

Follow all the instructions on your prescription label, and review all medication guides and instructions sheets. The doctor might alter your dosage. Make sure you take the medication precisely as directed.Retacrit is injected beneath the skin or in the form of an infusion into the veins. The healthcare professional may instruct you to use the drug on your own.Follow and carefully read any instructions that come along with your medication. Don't use Retacrit when you aren't able to understand all the instructions to use it correctly. Consult your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions.You should prepare your injection only once you're prepared to administer it. Avoid using any medicine that changes color or has particles. Consult your pharmacist about new medications.Don't shake Retacrit, or you could ruin it.Contact your doctor if you are feeling tired, weak, or lightheaded. These could be indications that your body isn't responding to Retacrit.

It is possible that you will require regular medical tests to make sure that this medication is not creating harmful side effects. The time for your injections can be deferred depending on the results.You might also be prescribed additional medications to help you avoid adverse side effects. Continue to take these medications for the time your physician has prescribed.If you are going to undergo surgery, inform your surgeon in advance that you're using Retacrit. It is possible that you will need an anticoagulant to stop blood clots.Retacrit is just one component of a comprehensive treatment plan, which may also comprise the use of a specific diet. Follow the instructions of your doctor carefully.Keep it in the refrigerator and shield it from sunlight. Avoid freezing Retacrit, and discard the medication if it's been frozen.Every single-use bottle (bottle) of this medication is intended for use once only. Dispose of it after just one time, even if there's remaining medicine. Dispose of any remaining medicine in a multi-dose container 21 days following the first use.Make use of a needle and the syringe once only, and put them into the puncture-proof "sharps" container. Make sure you follow local or state laws regarding how to dispose of the container. Make sure it is out of reach of pets and children.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Contact your doctor for advice in case you missed a dose of Retacrit.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you understand how Retacrit affects you. The way you react could be affected.

Interaction with other drug

Other medications may interact with Retacrit, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about the medicines you are currently taking and any medication you begin or stop taking.