Anaemia of chronic renal failure
Adult: Patients not previously treated w/ erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA): Initially, 0.6 mcg/kg once every 2 wk via IV or SC inj. Increase dose by approx 25% if Hb level is <10 g/dL. Reduce dose by approx 25% if Hb level approaches 12 g/dL. If Hb level continues to increase despite dose reduction, interrupt treatment until Hb level begins to decrease and restart treatment at a dose approx 25% lower than the previous dose. If Hb level stabilises, a once mthly dose that is twice the dose administered every 2 wk may be given. Titrate as necessary. Dosage adjustments should not be made more often than once mthly. Alternatively, for non-dialysis patients, an initial dose of 1.2 mcg/kg once mthly via SC inj may be given. Patients currently treated w/ ESA (darbepoetin alfa or epoetin): Administer once mthly or once every 2 wk based on previous wkly ESA dose, started on the next scheduled dose of ESA. Dosage adjustments is the same w/ patients not currently treated w/ ESA.