Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol-Epoetin beta

Erythropoietin Products · Recombinant human erythropoietin

Indications

Anaemia associated with chronic renal disease.

Dosage

Erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) naive patients: Adults: 0.6 mcg/kg once every two wk by IV or SC inj. Adjust dose according to haemoglobin levels at minimum 4 wk intervals. Erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) treated patients: Adults: 120-360 mcg/kg once monthly by IV or SC inj according to previous ESA dose. Adjust dose according to haemoglobin levels at minimum 4 wk intervals. See literature. Children: Not recommended.

Administration

Treatment has to be initiated under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Treatment of anaemic patients with chronic kidney disease: The solution can be administered SC or IV, according to clinical preference. Injected SC in the abdomen, arm or thigh. Monitor HB every two weeks until stabilized and periodically thereafter.

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

If patient is self-administering this medication, exact directions for administration of injection and needle disposal must be followed. Contact prescriber if there is chest pain, headache, hives, rapid heartbeat, rash, seizures, shortness of breath or swelling. Do not re-use needles. Eat adequate quantities of iron-rich foods. Do not make changes in dietary iron without consulting prescriber.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset: 7-15 days post-initial dose. Bioavailability: SC: 62%. Half-life elimination: IV: CKD patients on peritoneal dialysis: 134 ± 65 hrs. SC: CKD patients on peritoneal dialysis: 139 ± 67 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: SC: 72 hrs. Excretion: Undergoes proteolysis at erythropoietin receptor.

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

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.