Epoetin alfa and Requip XL

• Generic Name: epoetin alfa
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Epogen, Procrit, Retacrit

Epoetin alfa is a man-made form of a protein that helps your body produce red blood cells. This protein may be reduced when you have kidney failure or use certain medications. When fewer red blood cells are produced, you can develop a condition called anemia.

Epoetin alfa is used to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy or chronic kidney disease, or anemia caused by taking zidovudine to treat HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

Epoetin alfa is also used to reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions in people having certain types of surgery.

Epoetin alfa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: ropinirole
• Dosage Forms: tablet, film coated, extended release
• Other Brand Names: Requip, Requip XL, ReQuip Follow on Pack, ReQuip Starter Pack, Repreve, Requip Starter Kit

Requip XL has some of the same effects as a chemical called dopamine, which occurs naturally in your body. Low levels of dopamine in the brain are associated with Parkinson's disease.

Requip XL is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease (stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control). This medicine is also used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS).

Only immediate-release Requip XL (Requip) is approved to treat either Parkinson symptoms or RLS. Extended-release this medicine (Requip XL) is approved only to treat Parkinson symptoms.

Parkinson's and RLS are two separate disorders. Having one of these conditions will not cause you to have the other condition.

Requip XL may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.