Epoetin Beta

Indications & Dose:

Anaemia associated with renal failure in dialysis or pre-dialysis patients.

Adults: 

• BY SUBCUTANIOUS OR IV

Initially 20 iu/kg by Sc inj three times per week for four weeks. Alternatively, 40 iu/kg by iv inj three times per week for four weeks if Hb response gm/dl per month, double initial dose. for both routes, if necessary, increase at monthly intervals in increments of 20 iu/kg three times per week to maximum 720 iu/kg per week. Maintenance, initially reduce dose by half and adjust at one or two weekly intervals as necessary.

Children: Under 2 years, not recommended; over 2 years, same as adults

Contraindications:

Uncontrolled hypertension. 

Side Effects:

 Hypertension, shunt thromboses, anaphylactoid reactions

Cautions:

Precautions:

Hypertension, thrombocytosis, epilepsy, chronic hepatic failure, malignancies. Correct other causes of anaemia, iron supplements may be necessary. Monitor Hb, BP, platelet count, serum electrolytes. Limit Hb rise to gm/dl per month.Pregnancy, lactation. 

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Counselling:

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Patient And Carer Advice: