Epogen, Procrit

Maker:
Amgen (Epogen)
Janssen (Procrit)

What it does:
Treats anemia that results as a side effect of Retrovir

Traditional dosage:
100 units per kilogram of body weight, three times a week, given intravenously

Drug interactions, precautions, & recommendations:
Do not take if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure. Iron supplements may be needed for patients who undergo blood transfusions. Talk to your doctor if you have cancer, as there is an increased risk of tumor progression or shortened survival.

Side effects:
Most serious: high blood pressure, seizures, development of antibodies against the drug, severe allergic reactions Other: joint, muscle, or bone pain, fever, cough, rash, nausea, vomiting, soreness of mouth, itching, headache, pain at injection site