Epoetin Beta

Erythropoietin Products · Recombinant human erythropoietin

Indications

Anaemia associated with renal failure in dialysis or pre-dialysis patients.

Dosage

Adults: Initially 20 IU/kg by SC inj three times per wk for four wk. Alternatively, 40 IU/kg by IV inj three times per wk for four wk then increased to 80 units/kg three times a wk, then increased in steps of 20 units/kg three times a wk if required, at intervals of 4 wks. For both routes, if necessary, increase at monthly intervals in increments of 20 IU/kg three times per wk to max 720 IU/kg per wk. Maintenance, initially reduce dose by half and adjust at one or two wkly intervals as necessary. Children: Under 2 yr, not recommended; over 2 yr, same as adults.

Administration

First dose should be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Treatment of Anaemia in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: Administered by either IV or SC inj, however, SC should be considered where feasible since lower doses are required. In the case of IV administration, the solution should be injected over approximately 2 mins (e.g. in haemodialysis patients via the arteriovenous fistula at the end of dialysis). For non-haemodialysis patients: SC administration is preferred in order to avoid puncture of peripheral veins. The recommended Hb target is 100-120 gm/L. The target Hb should be determined individually in the presence of hypertension or existing cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or peripheral vascular diseases. Monitor Hb at regular intervals until stabilised and periodically thereafter. Remove the cap from the syringe and affix the needle…

Adverse Effects

Raised BP, headache, thrombosis, flu-like symptoms, seizures, skin reactions, rash, stroke, GI upset, palpebral oedema, musculoskeletal pain, cough, pyrexia. Rarely, pure red cell aplasia; withdraw and do not transfer to other erythropoietins. Inj site reactions.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Uncontrolled hypertension. Severe coronary, peripheral arterial, carotid or cerebral vascular disease in patients scheduled for major elective orthopaedic surgery and not participating in autologous blood donation. Patients unable to receive antithrombin prophylaxis. Pure red cell aplasia following erythropoietin therapy. Precautions: Hypertension; Carefully monitor BP and discontinue treatment if BP uncontrolled. Ischaemic vascular disease, epilepsy, chronic hepatic disease, porphyria. Thrombocytosis; monitor platelet count for first 8 weeks. Correct other causes of anaemia before treatment; iron supplements may be necessary. Risk of thromboembolic events; monitor Hb levels. Chronic Renal Failure Patients: Regularly monitor for loss of efficacy in patients administered r-HuEPOs…

Interactions

Drugs highly bound to red cells e.g. Cyclosporin.

Advice to Patient

Contact prescriber if there is unusual tiredness, lack of energy, allergic reaction (swelling on face, lips; rash; hives; difficulty in breathing; itching). Regular monitoring of blood cell levels, electrolytes and hemoglobin is required during treatment. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is also required.

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.