Methoxy polyethylene glycol-Epoetin beta is used in adults to treat anaemia which are associated with long-term kidney disease.
Anaemia is characterised as a low level of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
Your doctor or nurse will administer this medicine for you. If a caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of Methoxy polyethylene glycol-Epoetin beta, your caregiver may do the administration.
Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not administer more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Methoxy polyethylene glycol-Epoetin beta is available as a pre-filled syringe. Make sure you know how to use it. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on the severity of your condition, effectiveness of the therapy, and your tolerability to this medicine.
Methoxy polyethylene glycol-Epoetin beta must be given regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Methoxy polyethylene glycol-Epoetin beta.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
If a caregiver had been trained to administer this medicine, missed dose must be administered as soon as you remember.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- uncontrolled high blood pressure
- pure red cell aplasia (a type of anaemia or low red blood cell count)
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease e.g. heart attack, stroke
- cancer
- blood clot disorder
- high level of platelets
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going for certain procedures or laboratory test (e.g. dialysis, antibody assay), inform your doctor that you are using Methoxy polyethylene glycol-Epoetin beta.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to this medicine regularly.
- You may need to have routine blood tests (e.g. haemoglobin and iron levels) while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of blood pressure may also be needed.
Methoxy polyethylene glycol-Epoetin beta may cause any of the following side effects: headache, cough, cold, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, limb or back pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen face
- chest pain or tightness, feeling of pressure and heaviness in the chest
- signs and symptoms of severe high blood pressure e.g. sudden, stabbing migraine-like headache, confusion, trouble speaking
- fits or seizures
- severe rash with blisters, sores or peeling
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Protect from light. Do not shake.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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