The most common side effect with Epoetin Alfa Hexal (seen in more than 1 patient in 10) is nausea (feeling sick). In cancer patients, headache and pyrexia (fever) are also seen in more than 1 patient in 10, and in patients with chronic renal failure, arthralgia (joint pain) and influenza (flu)-like illness are also seen in more than 1 patient in 10. For the full list of all side effects reported with Epoetin Alfa Hexal, see the package leaflet.
Epoetin Alfa Hexal should not be used in people who may be hypersensitive (allergic) to epoetin alfa or any of the other ingredients. It must not be used in the following groups:
patients who have developed pure red cell aplasia reduced or stopped red blood cell production following treatment with any erythropoietin
patients with high blood pressure that is not controlled
patients who cannot receive medicines for the prevention of blood clots.
Epoetin Alfa Hexal must not be used in patients who are going to donate their own blood if they have had a heart attack or stroke within the last month, who have angina pectoris (pains to the chest, jaw and back due to problems with the blood flow to the heart) or who are at risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT: formation of blood clots in the deep veins of the body, usually in the leg). It must also not be used in patients about to undergo major orthopaedic surgery who have severe cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems including a recent heart attack or stroke.