I received 3, 40,000 units of procrit injections, weekly prior to my open-heart surgery. This was prescribed by my surgent to cause my body to make more blood as I wanted to donate my own blood for my surgery and refused to use any blood or blood products from others. Since I used these injections my blood pressure has gone up from around 90/55 to about 126/70. My body is not used to this higher blood pressure. Is this a permanent condition or will my blood pressure eventually go back to normal? If yes how long after I recieved the last dose?
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7/17/08 2:03pm
pat,
Thanks for your interesting question.
Procrit is the human hormone erythropoetin that is normally manufactured by the kidneys. This hormone is injected in various doses and stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. It is indicated for the treatment of various types of anemia, as well as pre-operatively (as in your case) to stimulate the production of blood and avoid transfusions during surgery.
A recognized side effect is an increase in blood pressure. In most cases, this can be controlled with medication. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a contraindication to treatment with Procrit. The effects of a Procrit injection can last about three weeks.
In your situation, your present blood pressure is still in an acceptable range, and unless you're experiencing symptoms, observation is the course. I assume you have had your heart surgery. If so, other considerations should be looked at as well as the Procrit. Your heart muscle function might have improved as a result of your surgery, thereby raising your blood pressure. Some of your medications used to treat your heart condition (which also lower blood pressure) may have been adjusted or discontinued, which could also result in a rise of your pressure.
I suggest you discuss this with your physician for his opinion. If it's the Procrit, the effect should be wearing off. If your pressure remains at this level, other factors may be at play. Your doctor should be able to help you sort this out.
Best wishes.
Martin Cane, M.D.
7/30/08 8:52am
Whether or not Procrit causes an increase in blood pressure is a controversial question in the medical literature. If it does it is likely proportional to the dose and the pace that the blood counts are increased. In your case, they were probably trying to achieve a fairly rapid increase so you could donate the blood prior to your surgery. It will likely go down within a few weeks of your stopping the injections. Also, the blood pressure you indicate is well within the normal range and should not cause you much concern.
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By pat— Last Modified: 12/25/10, First Published: 07/14/08
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