What Causes Drowsiness In A CKD Patient After A Missed EPO Injection?

Posted on Mon, 22 Feb 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 Answered on

Mon, 2 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Ckd patient having drowsiness. EPO injection missed from last 2 dialysis. Is the drowsiness because of missing EPO? Can EPO taken normal time rather than in dialysis? If not, can he wait till tomorrow dialysis? Any risk.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
ITS PREFERABLY TAKEN DURING DIALYSIS

Detailed Answer:
detailed answer:
hello and welcome to HCM.
I have thoroughly reviewed health query you raised, and well realize all of those concerns.
EPO or erythropoietin is less likely to cause drowsiness if dosage is missed. the dosage of EPO depends on type that is used. procrit/epogen is usually given 150 units/kg three times a week or 40,000 units/kg once weekly, where as Aranesp is given 2.25mcg/kg once a week or 500mcg every three 3 weeks.
so which one of these are you getting ? i will be able to guide you better if you divulge more info. And EPO is preferably taken during dialysis to monitor patient during EPO infusion.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

If you have some further questions,I shall be glad to have you in follow-up.

regards
dr XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar