Erythropoietin


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Intravenous
Increase yield of autologous blood
Adult: As epoetin alfa or zeta: 600 U/kg over 2 minutes twice wkly for 3 wk before surgery; in conjunction with iron, folate and B12 supplementation.

Parenteral
Anaemia of chronic renal failure
Adult: As epoetin alfa: Initially, 50 U/kg SC/IV 3 times wkly for predialysis and haemodialysis patients and 50 U/kg twice wkly for peritoneal dialysis patients, may increase according to response in steps of 25 U/kg 3 times wkly at 4 wkly intervals.
Child: As epoetin alfa: Initially, 50 U/kg 3 times wkly. May increase dose at 4 wkly intervals in increments of 25 U/kg 3 times wkly until a target haemoglobin concentration of 9.5-11 g/100 mL is reached. Usual maintenance dose: <10 kg: 225-450 U/kg/wk; 10-30 kg: 180-450 U/kg/wk and >30 kg: 90-300 U/kg/wk.

Parenteral
Anaemia in zidovudine-treated HIV-infected patients
Adult: As epoetin alfa: Initially, 100 U/kg SC/IV thrice wkly for 8 wk; increase every 4-8 wk by 50-100 U/kg according to response. Max: 300 U/kg thrice wkly.

Subcutaneous
Anaemia related to non-myeloid malignant disease chemotherapy
Adult: As epoetin alfa or zeta: Initially, 150 U/kg 3 times wkly. Dose may be increased at 4-8 wk intervals to 300 U/kg 3 times wkly. Stop treatment if response is still inadequate after 4 wk of treatment using this higher dose.
Contraindications
Uncontrolled hypertension, hypersensitivity to mammalian cell products and human albumin.
Special Precautions
Chronic renal failure, ischaemic heart diseases, hypertension, pregnancy, seizures, liver dysfunction, lactation.
Adverse Reactions
Hypertension, myalgia, arthralgia, flu-like syndrome, rashes and urticaria.
Potentially Fatal: Hypertensive crisis with encephalopathy-like symptoms e.g. headache, confusion, generalised seizures. Thrombosis.
Drug Interactions
Haematinics enhance efficiency. Increased dose of heparin in patients undergoing dialysis.
Action
Description: Erythropoietin regulates erythropoiesis by stimulating the differentiation and proliferation of erythroid precursors, stimulating the release of reticulocytes into the circulation, and synthesis of cellular haemoglobin. Recombinant human erythropoietin is available as epoetin alfa and epoetin beta which are used in the management of anaemias associated with CRF, cancer chemotherapy and anti-AIDS drug zidovudine.
Storage
Refrigerate at 2-8°C. Do not freeze.
MIMS Class
Haematopoietic Agents
Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Erythropoietin from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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