Epoetin alfa Injection and Fortesta

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

Epoetin injection is a man-made version of human erythropoietin (EPO). EPO is produced naturally in the body, mostly by the kidneys. It stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. If the body does not produce enough EPO, severe anemia can occur. This often occurs in patients with chronic kidney disease whose kidneys are not working properly. Epoetin is used to treat severe anemia in patients on kidney dialysis or for those not on dialysis.

Epoetin may also be used to prevent or treat anemia that is caused by surgery or medicines (eg, zidovudine) that are used for other conditions, such as HIV or cancer.

Epoetin alfa is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: testosterone
• Dosage Forms: topical gel, metered
• Other Brand Names: Fortesta, Androderm, AndroGel Packets, AndroGel Pump 125 g/actuation, FIRST-Testosterone, Testim, Vogelxo, Androgel, Axiron, Aveed, Delatestryl, Depo-Testosterone, Testosterone Cypionate, Testosterone Enanthate, Testosterone undecanoate, Xyosted, Natesto, Striant

Fortesta gel is a prescription medicine that contains testosterone.

Testosterone is a naturally occurring male hormone necessary for many processes in the body.

Fortesta gel is used to treat conditions in men that result from a lack of natural testosterone.

Fortesta will not enhance athletic performance and should not be used for this purpose.