Can Procrit Cause Diarrhea? Understanding the Link and Management

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to prescribing information and clinical trial data, diarrhea is a recognized and sometimes common side effect associated with Procrit (epoetin alfa) treatment. While typically mild, understanding this potential gastrointestinal reaction is important for effective patient care and symptom management.

Quick Summary

Diarrhea is a known and common side effect of Procrit (epoetin alfa), with its occurrence often depending on the patient's underlying condition and concurrent treatments, like chemotherapy. Effective management strategies include dietary adjustments, hydration, and open communication with a healthcare team.

Key Points

Procrit and Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a known and common side effect associated with the medication Procrit (epoetin alfa).
Variable Incidence: The frequency of diarrhea can vary, with higher rates observed in certain patient populations, such as those undergoing chemotherapy.
Hydration is Key: Due to the risk of dehydration, drinking plenty of fluids is a critical aspect of managing diarrhea while on Procrit.
Dietary Management: Simple dietary adjustments, such as eating bland, low-fiber foods, can help minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.
Consult a Doctor: It is important to contact your healthcare provider for guidance on managing diarrhea and to report any severe or persistent symptoms.
Other Factors: Diarrhea can also be influenced by the patient's underlying medical condition or concurrent treatments, like chemotherapy.
Distinguishing Severity: Patients should be aware of the signs of severe diarrhea or dehydration that warrant immediate medical attention, such as blood in stool or dizziness.

Understanding Procrit (Epoetin Alfa)

Procrit, a brand name for epoetin alfa, is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA). Its primary function is to stimulate the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, which is crucial for treating anemia caused by chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy for certain cancers, or HIV medications. By increasing the red blood cell count, Procrit helps to reduce the need for blood transfusions. However, as with any medication, it comes with a range of potential side effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances.

Can Procrit cause diarrhea? An evidence-based look

The answer is yes, Procrit can cause diarrhea, and it is listed as a common side effect in prescribing information. The incidence and severity can vary significantly depending on the patient population and other treatments being received concurrently.

For example, in clinical studies involving patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy, diarrhea was one of the most common side effects reported, with some sources citing an incidence as high as 30% in certain patient groups. The reason for this higher rate in cancer patients may be a result of the combined effects of Procrit and the chemotherapy drugs, many of which are known to cause gastrointestinal issues.

Other gastrointestinal side effects associated with Procrit

Diarrhea is often one of several digestive issues that can occur during treatment. Other related gastrointestinal side effects include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Weight loss
Stomatitis (soreness or inflammation of the mouth)
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

These symptoms can compound each other, making it challenging to maintain proper nutrition and hydration during treatment.

Managing Diarrhea Associated with Procrit

Managing medication-related diarrhea requires a multi-pronged approach involving diet, hydration, and communication with your healthcare team. Here are some strategies that can help:

Stay Hydrated: Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is particularly dangerous for patients already dealing with serious health conditions. Drink plenty of fluids, including water, clear broths, and electrolyte-rich beverages, to replace lost fluids and minerals.
Adjust Your Diet: Consider following a temporary bland diet, such as the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), which consists of low-fiber, binding foods that are easy on the stomach. Avoid rich, greasy, spicy, or high-fiber foods that can irritate the digestive system further.
Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, try eating several smaller ones throughout the day. This can reduce the digestive system's workload and help manage symptoms.
Limit Certain Foods and Drinks: Reduce your intake of dairy products, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners, as these can exacerbate diarrhea.
Over-the-Counter Medications: In some cases, over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications might be recommended, but only after discussing it with your healthcare provider. It is crucial to get professional advice before taking any new medication to avoid interactions or complications.

Procrit vs. Other ESAs: Side Effect Comparison


Feature	Procrit (Epoetin Alfa)	Epogen (Epoetin Alfa)	Retacrit (Epoetin Alfa-epbx)
Drug Type	Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)	Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)	Biosimilar of an ESA
Active Ingredient	Epoetin Alfa	Epoetin Alfa	Epoetin Alfa-epbx
Purpose	Treats anemia in CKD, chemotherapy patients, HIV patients	Treats anemia in CKD, chemotherapy patients, HIV patients	Treats anemia in CKD, chemotherapy patients, HIV patients
Diarrhea Risk	Common side effect	Common side effect in some populations	Common side effect
Other Common Side Effects	Headache, hypertension, nausea, vomiting, injection site pain	Fever, nausea, constipation, vomiting, headache, rash	Fever, cough, nausea, vomiting, injection site pain, chills
Availability	Prescription only	Prescription only	Prescription only

It is important to note that Epogen and Procrit are brand names for the same active ingredient, epoetin alfa, but are marketed by different manufacturers for specific purposes. Retacrit is a biosimilar, meaning it is a highly similar version of the reference product. Side effect profiles are generally comparable, but individual patient reactions can differ.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

While mild, occasional diarrhea may be manageable at home, it's vital to know when to seek medical advice. The Chemocare website provides specific guidance, indicating you should contact your healthcare provider within 24 hours if you experience 4-6 episodes of diarrhea in a 24-hour period. Immediate medical attention should be sought for more severe symptoms, such as:

Severe, persistent diarrhea.
Fever along with diarrhea.
Blood in your stool.
Signs of dehydration, such as severe thirst, decreased urination, or dizziness.

Your healthcare provider may offer alternative management strategies, adjust your dosage, or investigate other potential causes of the diarrhea.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Patient Health

Can Procrit cause diarrhea? Yes, it is a known and relatively common side effect, especially in patients receiving concurrent chemotherapy. Fortunately, in many cases, it is a manageable condition with appropriate dietary and hydration adjustments. The crucial takeaway is the importance of maintaining open communication with your healthcare team. The benefits of Procrit in treating severe anemia often outweigh the potential side effects, but proper management is key to ensuring patient comfort and safety. Never hesitate to report any persistent or severe side effects to your doctor to ensure they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Optional Outbound Markdown Link

For more detailed prescribing information and a complete list of side effects, you can visit the official FDA page for Procrit.

Conclusion: The Importance of Communication with Your Healthcare Provider

Diarrhea is a recognized and sometimes common side effect of Procrit (epoetin alfa), particularly in patients with cancer receiving concomitant chemotherapy. While often manageable with supportive care, it is essential for patients and caregivers to monitor for severe or persistent symptoms and report them to a healthcare provider. The ultimate goal of Procrit therapy is to treat anemia effectively, and by proactively addressing side effects like diarrhea, patients can better tolerate treatment and maintain their overall well-being. Always consult with your medical team before making any changes to your medication or adopting new self-care strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Diarrhea from Procrit is typically not severe. However, if it is persistent, worsens, or is accompanied by other serious symptoms like fever, blood in the stool, or signs of dehydration, it can become serious and requires immediate medical attention.

The likelihood can vary depending on the patient group. In some clinical studies, diarrhea was a common gastrointestinal side effect, particularly in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

You should inform your healthcare provider. For mild cases, focus on staying well-hydrated with fluids and electrolytes and eat bland foods. Avoid spicy, fatty, or high-fiber foods that can irritate the digestive system.

According to some patient information, you should contact your healthcare provider within 24 hours if you experience 4-6 episodes of diarrhea within a 24-hour period. You should seek immediate help for blood in your stool or signs of severe dehydration.

Yes, many other medications, including certain chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and supplements, can cause or worsen diarrhea. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking.

You should not take any new medication, including over-the-counter anti-diarrheals, without first consulting your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on the safest and most effective way to manage your symptoms.

While the overall risk of side effects, including gastrointestinal ones, can sometimes be dose-related, the occurrence of diarrhea can also be influenced by the patient's underlying condition and concurrent treatments, not just the Procrit dosage alone.