Instructions for Use

RETACRIT® (Ret-uh-krit)
(epoetin alfa-epbx)

Use these Instructions for Use if you or your caregiver has been trained to give RETACRIT injections at home. Do not give yourself the injection unless you have received training from your healthcare provider. If you are not sure about giving the injection or you have questions, ask your healthcare provider for help.

Before reading these Instructions for Use, read the Medication Guide that comes with RETACRIT for the most important information you need to know.

When you receive your RETACRIT vial make sure that:

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The name RETACRIT appears on the carton and vial label.

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The expiration date on the vial label has not passed. Do not use a vial of RETACRIT after the expiration date on the label.

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The dose strength of the RETACRIT vial (number of Units per mL on the vial label) is the same as your healthcare provider prescribed.

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You understand what the dose strength of RETACRIT means. RETACRIT vials come in several dose strengths. For example, the dose strength may be described as 10,000 Units/mL on the vial label. This strength means that 10,000 Units of medicine are contained in each 1 mL (milliliter) of liquid. Your healthcare provider may also refer to a mL as a "cc." One mL is the same as one "cc."

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The RETACRIT liquid in the vial is clear and colorless. Do not use RETACRIT if the liquid in the vial looks discolored or cloudy, or if the liquid has lumps, flakes, or particles.

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The RETACRIT vial has a color cap on the top of the vial. Do not use a vial of RETACRIT if the color cap on the top of the vial has been removed or is missing.

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Use only the type of disposable syringe and needle that your healthcare provider has prescribed.

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Do not shake RETACRIT. Shaking could cause RETACRIT not to work. If you shake RETACRIT, the solution in the vial may look foamy and should not be used.

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Do not freeze RETACRIT. Do not use a vial of RETACRIT that has been frozen.

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Do not use the carton of RETACRIT multiple-dose vials if it has been frozen or if the green area on the freeze strip indicator inside the RETACRIT carton looks white or cloudy.

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Store RETACRIT in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).

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Keep RETACRIT away from light.

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Single-dose vials of RETACRIT should be used only one time. Throw the vial away after use even if there is medicine left in the vial.

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After removing a dose from the multiple-dose vial, store the vial in the refrigerator (but not the freezer). Do not store the vial for more than 21 days.

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Throw away the multiple-dose vials as directed by your healthcare provider:

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if there is not enough medicine left in the multiple-dose vial for another dose, or

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if it has been more than 21 days since you first put a needle into the multiple-dose vial.