Retacrit (Epoetin Alfa-epbx) Injection

How to Order Prescriptions

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Description

Retacrit® (epoetin alfa-epbx) Injection is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) that helps stimulate the production of red blood cells. In veterinary medicine, it may be prescribed by veterinarians to help manage anemia in dogs and cats, particularly when anemia is associated with chronic kidney disease or other conditions that reduce the body's ability to produce sufficient red blood cells. Treatment should be individualized and carefully monitored by a veterinarian.

Retacrit® is a biosimilar to epoetin alfa (Epogen®/Procrit®) and is supplied as a sterile, preservative-free, single-dose vial containing 2,000 Units/mL in 1 mL. The solution may be administered by intravenous or subcutaneous injection according to your veterinarian's instructions.

Uses & Benefits

• Helps stimulate red blood cell production
• May assist in the management of anemia in veterinary patients
• Biosimilar to epoetin alfa (Epogen®/Procrit®)
• Single-dose, preservative-free formulation
• Suitable for intravenous or subcutaneous administration
• Convenient 1 mL vial
• Used under veterinary supervision with routine blood monitoring

How It Works

Retacrit® contains epoetin alfa-epbx, a recombinant form of erythropoietin that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Increasing red blood cell production can improve oxygen delivery throughout the body and help manage anemia when appropriate veterinary evaluation and monitoring are provided.

Indications

In veterinary medicine, Retacrit® may be prescribed for:

• Management of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease
• Anemia resulting from decreased erythropoietin production
• Other causes of non-regenerative anemia as determined by a veterinarian

Treatment should only be initiated and monitored by a licensed veterinarian with routine evaluation of hematologic parameters.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients:

Epoetin Alfa-epbx – 2,000 Units/mL

Inactive Ingredients:

Contains inactive ingredients including:

• Polysorbate 20
• Sodium chloride
• Sodium citrate
• Citric acid
• Water for Injection

Refer to the manufacturer's package insert for the complete formulation.

Directions

• Use only as prescribed by your veterinarian.
• Administer by intravenous or subcutaneous injection.
• Dosage and treatment frequency vary depending on your pet's condition and response to therapy.
• Routine monitoring of red blood cell counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and blood pressure may be recommended during treatment.
• Follow all veterinary instructions regarding administration and monitoring.

Always follow your veterinarian's prescribed treatment plan.

Cautions

• Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
• For injection only.
• Single-dose vial. Discard any unused portion.
• Use cautiously in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or a history of hypersensitivity to epoetin products.
• Routine blood monitoring is essential during therapy.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Possible Side Effects

Potential side effects may include:

• Increased blood pressure
• Injection site reactions
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Reduced appetite
• Allergic or hypersensitivity reactions

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences difficulty breathing, facial swelling, collapse, seizures, or other serious adverse reactions.

Precautions

Use only under veterinary supervision.
Regular blood work is recommended to monitor treatment response.
Your veterinarian may also recommend monitoring iron levels during therapy.
Do not use the medication beyond the expiration date or if the solution appears cloudy or contains particles.

Storage

Refrigerate at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Do not shake the vial. Keep in the original carton until ready for use. Discard any unused portion after opening the single-dose vial.