Hemodialysis - What are the side effects of Epogen and venofer?

The most common side effects of Epogen included:

Nausea -- in up to 58% of people; Constipation -- up to 53%; Fatigue -- up to 44%; Vomiting -- up to 29%; Fever -- up to 29%; Irritation, redness, or pain at the injection site -- up to 29%; Infection -- up to 27%.

Other common Epogen side effects (occurring in 11 to 24% of people) included:

Headaches; Cough; Congestion; Diarrhea; Insomnia; Dizziness; Joint pain; Unusual sensations, such as burning or tingling; Upper respiratory tract ; infection (such as the common cold); Indigestion or heartburn.

Some side effects with Epogen, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to a doc/pharmacist who prescribed the med. These include but are not limited to:

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High blood pressure (hypertension); Signs of congestive heart failure (CHF), such as difficulty breathing, swelling or water weight gain, or cough; An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) or a sudden loss in heart function (cardiac arrest); Heart attack, stroke, or blood clots; Increased growth of cancers; Seizures; Signs of an allergic reaction, including unexplained rash, hives, itching, and unexplained swelling.

Venofer
SIDE EFFECTS: Muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, strange taste in the mouth, diarrhea, constipation, headache, cough, back pain, joint pain, dizziness, or swelling of the arms/legs may occur. Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site may occur. If these effects continue or worsen, tell your doctor.

Severe dizziness or fainting (hypotension) may occur while you are receiving IV iron. This may be helped by giving the medication more slowly or at a lower dose. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.

Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: abdominal pain, chest pain, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias), pressure in the chest, severe headache and blurred vision (hypertension), problems with your dialysis access site (graft).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Take care & be careful, well & safe!