Epoetin beta: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Drug Epoetin Beta?

What is epoetin beta for?

This medicine is generally used to treat anemia caused by chronic renal failure, anemia related to chemotherapy, non-myeloid malignant disease, anemia of prematurity, which increases autologous blood yield.

How do I use epoetin beta?

Injections of this medicine are given under the skin (subcutaneously) or into a vein (intravenously).

The method used and how often the injection is given depends on your condition as well as the level of red blood cells and hemoglobin in your blood.
Your doctor will decide which method is most appropriate. However, some people or patient nurses are usually taught to give the subcutaneous injection on their own so that treatment can be continued after the patient is discharged from the hospital. Follow your doctor's instructions if you plan to use this method.

How do I store epoetin beta?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Epoetin Beta Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of epoetin beta for adults?

Parenterally

Anemia due to chronic kidney failure

Adult: Given via SC route: 60 units / kg / week for 4 weeks. Doses can be divided to be given on a daily basis or 3 times / week. When infused, initial dose: 40 units / kg 3 times / week for 4 weeks. Can be increased up to 80 units / kg 3 times / week. For Subcutaneous and infusion, the dose can further be increased to 60 units / kg / week until the target is reached.

Max dose: 720 units / kg / week.

Subcutaneous

Anemia due to prematurity

Adults: 250 units / kg 3 times a week. Treatment should be started as early as possible and continued for 6 weeks.

Parenterally

Increased autologous blood yield

Adults: Dose up to 800 units / kg by infusion, or up to 600 units / kg subcutaneously, twice weekly for 4 weeks before surgery.

What is the dose of epoetin beta for children?

The starting dose recommended for children is the same as for adults, but the effect of this drug depends on the age of the child being given the drug. This medicine has no impact on the child's growth.

In what dosage is epoetin beta available?

This drug has 4 dose sizes (1,000 IU, 2,000 IU, 5,000 IU and 10,000 IU / vial), each size is given for one dose.

Epoetin Beta side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to epoetin beta?

The side effects that often occur are:

• headache
• seizures
• hypertension
• thrombosis in the blood vessels
• clotting
• a transient increase in platelet count
• flu symptoms such as chills, muscle aches, hyperkalemia, skin rash
• hypertensive crisis with symptoms such as, headache and confusion, seizures (patients with normal or low blood pressure);
• rare anaphylactoid reactions.

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Warnings and Cautions Epoetin Beta

What should be known before using epoetin beta?

Contraindications: uncontrolled hypertension. Neonates: injections containing benzyl alcohol.

Is epoetin beta safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is not yet sufficient information about the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.
It is not known whether this drug can pass through breast milk and whether it is dangerous if taken in breast milk by a baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Epoetin Beta Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with epoetin beta?

Although there are certain drugs that should not be used together with this drug, in other cases two different drugs can be used together even if an interaction is possible. In this case, your doctor may want to change the dose, or take other precautions that may be needed.

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.
This drug counteracts the hypotensive effects of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin-II receptor antagonists and increases the risk of hyperkalaemia.

Can food or alcohol interact with epoetin beta?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with epoetin beta?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• hypertension
• history of seizures
• thrombocytosis
• chronic liver disorders
• ischemic vascular disease
• malignant tumor
• epilepsy
• The latest MI or CVA
• Fe deficiency
• infection
• inflammatory disorders
• hemolysis and aluminum poisoning may decrease response to epoetin beta
• regularly monitor platelet counts and serum potassium concentrations
• control hematocrit level
• uncontrolled hypertension: Monitor BP, Hb and electrolytes.
• anemia (eg, megaloblastic or folic acid): Give iron supplements as needed. Thrombocytosis: monitor the platelet count for weeks 1 and 8.

Epoetin Beta overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.