RECORMON

ERYTHROPOIETIN BETA

Anaemia in zidovudine-treated HIV-infected patients, Anaemia of chronic renal failure, Anaemia of prematurity, Anaemia related to non-myeloid malignant disease chemotherapy, To reduce the need for allogenic blood tranfusion

Drugs for Haemolytic Hypoplastic & Renal Anemia

Erythropoietin beta stimulates RBC production in the bone marrows which transmits O2 through out the body.

Parenteral (Adult)- Anaemia of chronic renal failure: 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. Increase yield of autologous blood: Up to 800 units/kg IV, or up to 600 units/kg SC, twice wkly for 4 wk before surgery. Subcutaneous (Adult)- Anaemia of prematurity: 250 units/kg 3 times wkly. Treatment should be started as early as possible and continued for 6 wk. Anaemia related to non-myeloid malignant disease chemotherapy: 450 units/kg/wk. May be divided into 3-7 doses for solid tumours, multiple myeloma, low-grade Hodgkin's disease, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. May double dose after 4 wk, if necessary. Treatment may continue for up to a mth after chemotherapy. If no adequate response is achieved after 4 wk at higher dose, then treatment should be stopped.

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

Uncontrolled hypertension. Neonates: injections containing benzyl alcohol.

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.

Pregnancy Category- C. Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks

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.

Refrigerate at 2-88 C.Refrigerate at 2-88 C.