Epoetin beta: Indication, Dosage, Side Effect, Precaution

Generic Medicine Info Patient Medicine Information

This information is not country-specific. Please refer to the Myanmar prescribing information.

Generic Medicine Info

Indications and Dosage

Parenteral
Anaemia of chronic renal failure

Adult: Given via SC route: 60 units/kg/wk for 4 wk. Dose may be divided to be given on daily or 3 times/wk. When admin via IV, initial dose: 40 units/kg 3 times/wk for 4 wk. May be increased to 80 units/kg 3 times/wk. For SC and IV routes, subsequent doses can be increased at 60 units/kg/wk until target is reached.

Parenteral
Increase yield of autologous blood

Adult: 200-800 units/kg by IV inj, or 150-600 units/kg by SC inj, twice weekly for 4 weeks before surgery.

Subcutaneous
Anaemia of prematurity

Adult: 250 units/kg 3 times wkly. Treatment should be started as early as possible and continued for 6 wk.

Subcutaneous
Anaemia related to non-myeloid malignant disease chemotherapy

Adult: 450 units/kg weekly as a single dose or divided into 3-7 doses. May double dose after 4 weeks, if necessary. Discontinue treatment if no adequate response achieved after 4 weeks at higher dose.

Contraindications

Uncontrolled hypertension. Neonates: injections containing benzyl alcohol.

Special Precautions

Hypertension, history of seizure, thrombocytosis, chronic hepatic impairment, ischaemic vascular disease, malignant tumours, epilepsy; recent MI or CVA. Fe deficiency, infection, inflammatory disorders, haemolysis and aluminium intoxication may decrease response to epoetin beta. Regularly monitor platelet counts and serum-potassium concentrations. Control haematocrit levels. Poorly-controlled hypertension: Monitor BP, Hb and electrolytes. Anaemia (eg, megaloblastic or folic acid): Give Fe supplements when needed. Thromobocytosis: monitor platelet count for 1st 8 wk. Lactation.

Adverse Reactions

Headache, seizures; hypertension; thrombosis at vascular access sites, clotting in the dialyser, transient increases in platelet count, flu-like symptoms including chills, myalgia, hyperkalaemia, skin rashes; hypertensive crisis with encephalopathy-like symptoms, including headache and confusion, generalised seizures (patients with normal or low blood pressure). Rarely, anaphylactoid reactions.

Drug Interactions

Antagonises the hypotensive effects of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin-II receptor antagonists and increases risk of hyperkalaemia

Action

Description: Epoetin beta stimulates RBC production in the bone marrows which transmits O2 through out the body.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Absorbed slowly and incompletely following SC admin at 23-43%.

Storage

Refrigerate at 2-8°C.

MIMS Class

Haematopoietic Agents

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