Epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol

Generic name: Epoetin Beta And Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol
Brand names: Mircera
Dosage form: injectable solution (100 mcg/0.3 mL; 150 mcg/0.3 mL; 200 mcg/0.3 mL; 30 mcg/0.3 mL; 50 mcg/0.3 mL; 75 mcg/0.3 mL)
Drug class: Recombinant human erythropoietins

Usage of Epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol

Epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol is a combination medicine used to treat anemia (lack of red blood cells) and to reduce the need for blood cell transfusions.

Epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol is used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease in adults, or in children at least 5 years old who are on hemodialysis.

epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol is not for treating anemia caused by cancer chemotherapy. Epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol may increase tumor growth or decrease survival time in people with certain types of cancer.

Epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol should not be used to take the place of an emergency blood cell transfusion.

Epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, itching, sweating, wheezing, difficult breathing, dizziness, swelling in your face or throat, fainting) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

This medicine can increase your risk of serious or fatal side effects. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have:

increased blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, nosebleed;

symptoms of heart failure--shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;

heart attack symptoms--chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating; or

signs of a stroke or blood clot--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), slurred speech, sudden confusion, problems with vision or balance, a cold or pale arm or leg.

Also call your doctor at once if you have a seizure (convulsions), or signs that you may have a seizure, such as:

sudden mood changes;

unusual tiredness;

sensitivity to light or noise; or

trouble concentrating.

Common side effects of epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol may include:

diarrhea; or

stuffy nose, sinus pain; or

sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to epoetin beta or methoxy polyethylene glycol, or if you have:

uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure); or

if you have ever had a type of anemia called pure red cell aplasia (PRCA).

Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart disease, high blood pressure;

a seizure;

dialysis treatment; or

cancer.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Relate drugs

How to use Epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol

Usual Adult Dose for Anemia Associated with Chronic Renal Failure:

Patients NOT on Dialysis:Not currently on erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs):Initial dose: 0.6 mcg/kg, intravenously (IV) or suBCutaneously (SC), once every 2 weeksMaintenance dose (when hemoglobin is stabilized): Administer once monthly, using twice the every 2 week dose; titrate as neededConversion From Epoetin alfa (EA):EA dose under 8000 units/week: 60 mcg every 2 weeks OR 120 mcg monthlyEA dose 8000 to 16,000 units/week: 100 mcg every 2 weeks OR 200 mcg monthlyEA dose over 16,000 units/week: 180 mcg every 2 weeks OR 360 mcg monthlyConversion From Darbepoetin alfa:Darbepoetin alfa dose under 40 mcg/week: 60 mcg every 2 weeks OR 120 mcg monthlyDarbepoetin alfa dose 40 to 80 mcg /week: 100 mcg every 2 weeks OR 200 mcg monthlyDarbepoetin alfa dose over 80 mcg /week: 180 mcg every 2 weeks OR 360 mcg monthlyComments:-Use is neither indicated or recommended for anemia from cancer chemotherapy.-Use is neither indicated or recommended as a substitute for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions when immediate correction of anemia is required.-Improvements in symptoms, physical function, or health related quality of life have not been shown.-Initiate therapy when hemoglobin is under 10 g/dL, the rate of hemoglobin decline is likely to require a RBC infusion, and reducing RBC transfusion related risks, including alloimmunization, is a goal.-If hemoglobin exceeds 10 g/dL, reduce or interrupt dose.-Use the lowest dose necessary to reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions.Use: Anemia due to chronic kidney disease

Warnings

You should not use epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or if you have ever had pure red cell aplasia.

This medicine is not for treating anemia caused by cancer chemotherapy.

This medicine can increase your risk of serious or fatal side effects, including heart attack, stroke, or blood clot. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have symptoms such as: chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden numbness or weakness, a cold or pale arm or leg, confusion, or problems with speech or balance.

What other drugs will affect Epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol

Other drugs may affect epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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