From the Guidelines
Procrit (epoetin alfa) should not be used in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, known hypersensitivity to the drug or its components, or in patients with pure red cell aplasia that began after treatment with any erythropoietin protein. It is contraindicated in patients with cancer receiving hormonal agents, biologic products, or radiotherapy unless receiving concurrent myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Procrit should not be given when hemoglobin levels are greater than 11 g/dL in cancer patients or 10 g/dL in chronic kidney disease patients, as this increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events including death. The drug is also contraindicated for patients undergoing surgery who are willing to donate autologous blood, and for those scheduled for elective surgery (excluding cardiac or vascular) who have normal hemoglobin levels. These contraindications exist because Procrit stimulates red blood cell production, which can lead to thrombotic events, increased blood viscosity, and hypertension when used inappropriately. Patients with a history of seizures or cardiovascular disease require careful monitoring if Procrit is prescribed, as these conditions may be exacerbated by the medication, as noted in the guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology 1. Key considerations for the use of Procrit include the potential for increased risk of thromboembolic events, particularly in patients with a history of such events or those at high risk for them, as highlighted in the 2007 and 2010 guideline updates 1. The decision to use Procrit should be based on a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, including the severity of anemia, the presence of any contraindications, and the potential benefits and risks of treatment, as emphasized in the guidelines 1. In general, the use of Procrit should be guided by the principles of minimizing harm and maximizing benefit, with careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits in each individual patient.
From the FDA Drug Label
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS (No specific contraindications are listed in this section of the provided drug label)
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Contraindications for Procrit (Epoetin Alfa)
- There are no direct contraindications mentioned in the provided studies 2, 3, 4 for Procrit (epoetin alfa).
- However, it is essential to note that study 5 is not relevant to the topic of Procrit (epoetin alfa) as it discusses penicillin allergy.
- The provided studies 2, 3, 4 focus on the efficacy and safety of epoetin alfa in patients with cancer, particularly in preventing anemia and reducing transfusion requirements.
- No specific contraindications for Procrit (epoetin alfa) are mentioned in these studies, suggesting that the medication is generally well-tolerated in the studied patient populations 2, 3, 4.