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Important Safety Information for Healthcare Professionals
Important Product Information
Patient and Caregiver site
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If you're a patient on PROCRIT® (click here), it's important you talk to your physician. For further information, read the Medication Guide and Patient Instructions for Use.

Important Safety Information for Patients and Caregivers

What is PROCRIT®?

PROCRIT® is a man-made form of the protein human erythropoietin that is given to reduce or avoid the need for red blood cell transfusions. PROCRIT® stimulates your bone marrow to make more red blood cells. Having more red blood cells raises your hemoglobin level.

Why am I taking it?

PROCRIT® may be used to treat a lower than normal number of red blood cells (anemia) if it is caused by:
  • Chronic kidney disease (you may or may not be on dialysis)
  • Chemotherapy that will be used for at least two months after starting PROCRIT®
  • A medicine called zidovudine (AZT) used to treat HIV infection.
PROCRIT® may also be used to reduce the chance you will need red blood cell transfusions if you are scheduled for certain surgeries where a lot of blood loss is expected.

How does it work?

PROCRIT® is a man-made form of erythropoietin (EPO). PROCRIT® works like EPO — it causes your bone marrow to make more red blood cells. This, in turn, raises your level of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen to all parts of the body. Having a normal, or near-normal hemoglobin level may lessen the need for a blood transfusion. The rise in hemoglobin does not happen right away. It usually takes 2 to 6 weeks before the number of red blood cells goes up in your body. Not everyone will have the same results with PROCRIT®.

How is PROCRIT® administered?

PROCRIT® is available by prescription only and is given as a shot (injection) either subcutaneously (under the skin) or in some cases, intravenously (into a vein). Your doctor will determine the appropriate starting dose and may make adjustments to that dose over time.
References:
1. National Anemia Action Council. Feature articles: treating anemia with red blood cell transfusions. http://anemia.org/patients/feature-articles/content.php?contentid=000482&sectionid=00015. Accessed January 24, 2013.
2. National Anemia Action Council. Feature articles: ESA drugs treat anemia by stimulating red blood cell production. http://anemia.org/patients/feature-articles/content.php?contentid=000379&sectionid=00015. Accessed January 24, 2013.
3. National Anemia Action Council. Frequently asked questions. Feature articles. What is anemia? http://anemia.org/patients/feature-articles/content.php?contentid=000174&sectionid=00015. Accessed January 24, 2013.