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What does epoetin alfa do: Epoetin Alfa (Injection Route) Description and Brand Names

Information on Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESA) Epoetin alfa (marketed as Procrit, Epogen), Darbepoetin alfa (marketed as Aranesp)

Epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa are Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs), approved for the treatment of anemia (low red blood cells) resulting from chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy, certain treatments for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and also to reduce the number of blood transfusions during and after certain major surgeries. ESAs work like the human protein erythropoietin, which stimulates bone marrow to make red blood cells.Epoetin alfa (marketed as Procrit and Epogen) and darbepoetin alfa (marketed as Aranesp), are manufactured by Amgen, Inc.

In 2017, the FDA determined that the ESA Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), which was limited to the use of Epogen/Procrit and Aranesp to treat patients with anemia due to associated myelosuppressive chemotherapy is no longer necessary to ensure that the benefits of Epogen/Procrit and Aranesp outweigh its risks of shortened overall survival and/or increased risk of tumor progression or recurrence in patients with cancer.

The FDA made this determination based on an evaluation of the results of the REMS Assessments submitted by Amgen, Inc., and additional FDA analyses to understand the impact of the various regulatory and other actions on the use of ESAs.

The REMS Assessment showed that:

  • The results from surveyed prescribers demonstrate acceptable knowledge of the product risks of decreased survival and/or the increased risk of tumor progression or recurrence and the need to counsel patients about these risks.
  • The drug utilization data indicates appropriate prescribing of ESAs consistent with the intended use as a treatment alternative to RBC transfusion for anemia associated with myelosuppressive chemotherapy

The FDA conducted an evaluation of the impact of multiple actions, including the ESA REMS, on the utilization of the ESAs using sponsor-submitted data from outpatient oncology practices between 2006 and 2014. During 2004-2009, the FDA took multiple regulatory actions, including labeling changes. In 2007, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made a National Coverage Determination (NCD) to limit coverage of ESAs for non-renal disease indications. These actions coincided with:

  • A decrease in the proportion of patients receiving chemotherapy using ESAs
  • An increase in the proportion of patients receiving chemotherapy who initiate ESAs at a hemoglobin level <10g l,=””>
  • An increase in the proportion of patients who initiate ESAs at a dosage consistent with product prescribing information.

Full implementation of the ESA REMS in 2011 had minimal impact on trends in these three ESA utilization metrics beyond the changes observed after the CMS coverage determination and multiple other FDA regulatory actions.

This information led the FDA to conclude it is no longer necessary to require the certification of prescribers and hospitals that prescribe and/or dispense ESAs to patients with cancer in order to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks.

The FDA has released the REMS requirements for the ESA products, Epogen/Procrit and Aranesp, and the risks can be communicated by the current product prescribing information. The appropriate use of ESAs is supported by the CMS NCD, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and American Society of Hematology (ASH) clinical guidelines which are evidence-based guidelines intended to provide a basis for the standard of care in clinical oncology.

While the REMS is no longer necessary to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks, the serious risks of shortened overall survival and/or increased risk of tumor progression or recurrence associated with these drugs remain. The prescribing information continues to note an increased risk of tumor progression or recurrence, as well as death, myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism, and thrombosis of vascular access. Health care providers are encouraged to discuss the risks and benefits of using ESAs with each patient before initiating use.

More information on:

  • Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa)
  • Epogen/Procrit (epoetin alfa )

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of these Products may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program using the contact information at the bottom of this page.

History of REMS for ESAs

MORE INFO

In 2008, FDA determined a REMS was necessary for Epogen/Procrit and Aranesp to ensure their benefits for use as a treatment alternative to RBC transfusion for anemia associated with myelosuppressive chemotherapy outweigh their risks of shortened overall survival and/or increased risk of tumor progression or recurrence in patients with cancer. This determination was made after data accumulated from numerous randomized clinical trials indicating an increase in tumor progression and shortened survival in patients with certain types of cancer. The risks were particularly concerning because of the extensive use of these products in cancer patients for uses that extended beyond the treatment of anemia due to myelosuppressive chemotherapy . The results of these trials prompted labeling changes that included a boxed warning and limitations of use. The results were also the topic of discussion at several FDA Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee meetings. The FDA regulatory actions for ESA prescribing primarily occurred in the years 2004 through 2009. In 2007, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) made a National Coverage Determination (NCD) to limit coverage of the ESAs to patients with cancer whose hemoglobin level is less than 10 mg/dL, in addition to other safe use conditions.

The ESA REMS for Epogen/Procrit and Aranesp, approved in February 2010, jointly fall under a common implementation program, the ESA Apprise Oncology Program. The ESA REMS consisted of a Medication Guide, communication plan, elements to assure safe use, implementation system, and a timetable for submission of assessments of the REMS. The REMS required that healthcare providers that prescribe, or prescribe and dispense, ESAs for patients with cancer, become certified. It also required hospitals that dispense ESAs to patients with cancer, to become certified. Finally, the REMS required a Patient and Healthcare Provider Acknowledgement Form be completed for each patient with cancer before the new ESA treatment course to ensure patients were counseled about the benefits and risks of these products. The ESA REMS was fully implemented in 2011.

Labeling and Regulatory History from Drugs@FDA

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Postmarket Safety History

MORE INFO

  • FDA Drug Safety Communication: Modified dosing recommendations to improve the safe use of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs) in chronic kidney disease [ARCHIVED] 6/24/2011
  • FDA Drug Safety Podcast for Healthcare Professionals: Modified dosing recommendations to improve the safe use of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs) in chronic kidney disease [ARCHIVED] 6/27/2011
  • Enforcement Discretion Letter Regarding Aranesp Medication Guide (PDF – 33KB) [ARCHIVED] 6/2/2011
  • Enforcement Discretion Letter Regarding Epogen/Procrit Medication Guide (PDF – 33KB) [ARCHIVED] 6/2/2011
  • Aranesp Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) (PDF – 28MB) [ARCHIVED]
  • Epogen/Procrit Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) (PDF – 27. 9MB) [ARCHIVED]
  • FDA Announces New Safety Plan for Agents Used to Treat Chemotherapy-Related Anemia [ARCHIVED] 2/16/2010
  • FDA Drug Safety Communication: Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs): Procrit, Epogen and Aranesp [ARCHIVED] 2/16/2010
  • Historical Information on Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (ESA) (marketed as Procrit, Epogen, and Aranesp) [ARCHIVED]
  • Questions and Answers on Medication Guides for Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs) [ARCHIVED]
  • Follow Up to the January 3, 2008 Communication About an Ongoing Safety Review Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs) Epoetin alfa (marketed as Procrit, Epogen) Darbepoetin alfa (marketed as Aranesp) 10/1/2008 [ARCHIVED]
  • Early Communication about an Ongoing Safety Review of Epoetin Alfa [ARCHIVED] 9/26/2008
  • CMS Decision Memo for Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (ESAs) for non-renal disease indications 7/30/2007

 

Erythropoietin: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action

Injection, solutionIntravenous1000 UI/0. 5ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous10000 UI/1.0ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous3000 UI/0.3ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous4000 UI/0.4ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous5000 UI/0.5ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous6000 UI/0.6ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous8000 UI/0.8ML
SolutionIntravenous1000 UI/0.5ML
SolutionIntravenous2000 UI/1.0ML
SolutionIntravenous3000 UI/0.3ML
Injection, solutionParenteral10000 I.E./1ML
Injection, solutionParenteral1000 I.E./0.5ML
Injection, solutionParenteral2000 I.E./1ML
Injection, solutionParenteral3000 I.E./0.3ML
Injection, solutionParenteral4000 I. E./0.4ML
Injection, solutionParenteral5000 I.E./0.5ML
Injection, solutionParenteral6000 I.E./0.6ML
Injection, solutionParenteral8000 I.E./0.8ML
Injection, solution4000 IU/ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous20000 UI/0.5ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous30000 UI/0.75ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous40000 UI/1.0ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous10000 IU/1.0ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous2000 IU/1.0ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous20000 IU/0.5ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous3000 IU/0.5ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous3000 IU/3. 0ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous30000 IU/0.75ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous40000 IU/1.0ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous40000 IU/1ML
Injection, solutionSubcutaneous7000 UI/0.7ML
Injection, solutionSubcutaneous9000 UI/0.9ML
SolutionIntravenous; Parenteral1000 UI/0.5ML
SolutionIntravenous; Parenteral10000 UI/1ML
SolutionIntravenous; Parenteral2000 UI/1ML
SolutionIntravenous; Parenteral20000 UI/0.5ML
SolutionIntravenous; Parenteral3000 UI/0.3ML
SolutionIntravenous; Parenteral30000 UI/0.75ML
SolutionIntravenous; Parenteral4000 UI/0. 4ML
SolutionIntravenous; Parenteral40000 UI/1ML
SolutionIntravenous; Parenteral5000 UI/0.5ML
SolutionIntravenous; Parenteral6000 UI/0.6ML
SolutionIntravenous; Parenteral7000 UI/0.7ML
SolutionIntravenous; Parenteral8000 UI/0.8ML
SolutionIntravenous; Parenteral9000 UI/0.9ML
Injection, solutionParenteral10.000 I.E./1ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous10000 iu/1ml
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous
Injection, solutionParenteral2.000 I.E./1.0ML
Injection, solutionParenteral2.000 I.E./1ML
Injection, solutionParenteral2.000 IE/1ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous2000 iu/1ml
Injection, solutionParenteral2000 IE/1ML
Injection, solutionParenteral3. 000 I.E./0.3ML
Injection, solutionParenteral3000 IE/0.3ML
Injection, solutionParenteral4.000 I.E./0.4ML
Injection, solutionParenteral40.000 I.E./1ML
Injection, solutionParenteral40.000 IE/1ML
Injection, solutionParenteral40000 I.E./1ML
Injection, solutionParenteral5.000 I.E./0.5ML
Injection, solutionParenteral6.000 I.E./0.6ML
Injection, solutionParenteral8.000 I.E./0.8ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous2000 iu/0.2ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous3000 iu/0.3ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous4000 iu/0.4ml
Injection, solution10000 iu/1ml
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous10000 IU/ml
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous2000 IU/0. 6ml
Injection, solution3333 iu/1ml
Injection, solution40000 iu/1ml
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous4000 IU/0.4ml
InjectionIntravenous10000 iu/1.0ml
InjectionIntravenous1000 iu/0.3ml
InjectionIntravenous2000 iu/0.6ml
InjectionIntravenous3000 iu/0.9ml
InjectionIntravenous4000 iu/0.4ml
InjectionIntravenous5000 iu/0.5ml
InjectionIntravenous6000 iu/0.6ml
InjectionIntravenous8000 iu/0.8ml
Injection, solutionParenteral10000 IE
Injection, solutionParenteral1000 IE
Injection, solutionParenteral20000 IE
Injection, solutionParenteral2000 IE
Injection, solutionParenteral30000 IE
Injection, solutionParenteral3000 IE
Injection, solutionParenteral40000 IE
Injection, solutionParenteral4000 IE
Injection, solutionParenteral5000 IE
Injection, solutionParenteral6000 IE
Injection, solutionParenteral8000 IE
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous10000 [iU]/1mL
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous2000 [iU]/1mL
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous20000 [iU]/1mL
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous3000 [iU]/1mL
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous4000 [iU]/1mL
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous40000 1/1mL
Injection, solutionIntravenous2000 iu/ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous4000 iu/ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral10000 UI/1. 0ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral20000 UI/1.0ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral30000 UI/1.0ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous20000 IU/1.0ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous30000 IU/1.0ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous4000 IU/0.5ML
Injection, solutionParenteral1000 IE/0.5ML
Injection, solutionParenteral1.0 ML
Injection, solutionParenteral10000 IE/1.0ML
Injection, solutionParenteral2000 IE/0.5ML
Injection, solutionParenteral1 ML
Injection, solutionParenteral20000 IE/1.0ML
Injection, solutionParenteral20000 IE/1ML
Injection, solutionParenteral30. 000 IE/1.0ML
Injection, solutionParenteral3000 IE/0.5ML
Injection, solutionParenteral30000 IE/1.0ML
Injection, solutionParenteral30000 IE/1ML
Injection, solutionParenteral4000 IE/0.5ML
Injection, solutionParenteral0.5 ML
InjectionIntravenous; Subcutaneous10000 iu/1.0ml
Solution4000 iu/0.4ml
Injection10000 IU
Injection2000 IU/0.5ml
Injection4000 IU
Injection, solution
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous
Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous1000 IU
Injection, solution30000 UI/0.75ML
Injection, solution40000 UI
Injection, solution40000 UI/ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous1000 IU/0. 5ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous10000 IU/ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous2000 IU/ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous2000 IU/0.5ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous3000 IU/0.3ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous4000 IU/ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous4000 IU/0.4ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous500 IU/0.25ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous5000 IU/0.5ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous6000 IU/0.6ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous7000 IU/0.7ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous8000 IU/0. 8ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous9000 IU/0.9ml
Injection, solutionParenteral40000 IU/ML
Solution2000 iu/0.5ml
Solution40000 IU/1ml
InjectionSubcutaneous10000 iu/ml
InjectionSubcutaneous2000 iu/0.5ml
InjectionIntravenous; Subcutaneous3000 iu/0.3ml
InjectionSubcutaneous4000 iu/0.4ml
InjectionIntravenous; Subcutaneous40000 iu/ml
InjectionIntravenous; Subcutaneous6000 iu/0.6ml
InjectionIntravenous; Subcutaneous10000 IU/ML
InjectionIntravenous; Subcutaneous2000 IU/0.5ml
InjectionIntravenous; Subcutaneous4000 IU/0.4ml
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous20000 unit / 0. 5 mL
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous30000 unit / 0.75 mL
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous10000 unit / mL
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous1000 unit / 0.5 mL
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous20000 unit / mL
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous2000 unit / 0.5 mL
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous2000 unit / mL
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous3000 unit / 0.3 mL
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous40000 unit / mL
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous4000 unit / 0.4 mL
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous4000 unit / mL
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous5000 unit / 0.5 mL
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous6000 unit / 0. 6 mL
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous8000 unit / 0.8 mL
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous10000 IU
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous2000 IU
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous40000 IU
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous4000 IU
Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous4000 IU
SolutionParenteral2000 IU
InjectionParenteral
Injection, solutionParenteral1000 IU
Injection, solutionParenteral10000 IU
Injection, solutionParenteral2000 IU
Injection, solutionParenteral20000 I.E./0.5ML
Injection, solutionParenteral3000 IU
Injection, solutionParenteral30000 I. E./0.75ML
Injection, solutionParenteral4000 IU
Injection, solutionParenteral40000 I.E./ML
Injection, solutionParenteral5000 IU
Injection, solutionParenteral6000 IU
Injection, solutionParenteral8000 IU
InjectionIntravenous
Solution4000 iu/1ml
Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous2000 IU
Injection, solution1000 IU/0.25ml
Injection, powder, for solution1000 IU
Injection, powder, for solution10000 IU
Injection, powder, for solution2000 IU
Injection, powder, for solution3000 IU
Injection, powder, for solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous50000 IU
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral1000 IU/0. 3ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral10000 IU/0.6ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral10000 IU
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral2000 IU/0.3ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral20000 IU/0.6ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral3000 IU/0.3ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral4000 IU/0.3ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral500 IU/0.3ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral5000 IU/0.3ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral6000 IU/0.3ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral; Subcutaneous2000 IU/0.3ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous10000 IU
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous2000 IU
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous20000 IU
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous3000 IU
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous30000 IU
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous4000 IU
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous500 IU
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous5000 IU
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous6000 IU
Injection, solutionParenteral; Subcutaneous4000 IU
Injection, solutionParenteral; Subcutaneous6000 IU
PowderIntravenous1000 UI
PowderIntravenous10000 UI
PowderIntravenous2000 UI
PowderIntravenous500 UI
PowderIntravenous5000 UI
PowderParenteral100000 IU/ml
PowderParenteral50000 IU/ml
PowderSubcutaneous10000 UI
PowderSubcutaneous20000 UI
Injection, solutionParenteral10. 000 I.E.
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous10000 iu/0.6ml
Injection, solutionParenteral10000 IU/0.6ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous2000 iu/0.3ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous20000 iu/0.6ml
Injection, solutionParenteral2000 IU/0.3ml
Injection, solutionParenteral3000 IU/0.3ml
Injection, solutionParenteral4000 IU/0.3ml
Injection, solutionParenteral5000 IU/0.3ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous5000 iu/0.3ml
Injection, solutionParenteral500 IU/0.3ml
Injection, solutionParenteral6000 IU/0.3ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous10000 [iU]/1mL
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous2000 [iU]/1mL
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous20000 [iU]/1mL
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous3000 [iU]/1mL
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous4000 [iU]/1mL
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous40000 [iU]/1mL
Injection2000 IU
Injection5000 IU
Injection, solution2000 IU/0. 3ml
Injection, solution3000 IU/0.3ml
Injection, solution5000 IU/0.3ml
InjectionIntravenous; Subcutaneous10000 iu/0.6ml
InjectionIntravenous; Subcutaneous2000 iu/0.3ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous30000 IU/0.6ml
InjectionIntravenous; Subcutaneous4000 iu/0.3ml
InjectionIntravenous; Subcutaneous
SolutionParenteral1000 IU
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous500 IU
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous5000 IU
Solution3000 IU/0.3ml
SolutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous30000 IU
Injection
Injection10000 IU/ml
Injection2000 IU/ml
Injection3000 IU/ml
Injection4000 IU/ml
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral1000 UI/0. 3ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral10000 IU/1.0ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral2000 IU/0.6ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral2000 UI/0.6ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral20000 IU/0.5ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral20000 UI/0.5ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral3000 UI/0.9ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral3000 IU/0.9ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral30000 IU/0.75ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral30000 UI/0.75ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral4000 IU/0.4ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral4000 UI/0. 4ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral40000 IU/1.0ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral40000 UI/1.0ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral5000 IU/0.5ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral5000 UI/0.5ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral6000 UI/0.6ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral6000 IU/0.6ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral8000 IU/0.8ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Parenteral8000 UI/0.8ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous1000 IU/0.3ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous2000 IU/0.6ML
Injection, solutionIntravenous; Subcutaneous3000 IU/0. 9ML
Injection, solutionParenteral10.000 I.E./1.0ML
Injection, solutionParenteral10000 I.E./1.0ML
Injection, solutionParenteral1000 I.E./0.3ML
Injection, solutionParenteral1000 IE/0.3ML
Injection, solutionParenteral2.000 I.E./0.6ML
Injection, solutionParenteral2000 I.E./0.6ML
Injection, solutionParenteral20000 IE/0.5ML
Injection, solutionParenteral2000 IE/0.6ML
Injection, solutionParenteral3.000 I.E./0.9ML
Injection, solutionParenteral30.000 IE/0.75ML
Injection, solutionParenteral3000 I.E./0.9ML
Injection, solutionParenteral30000 IE/0.75ML
Injection, solutionParenteral3000 IE/0. 9ML
Injection, solutionParenteral4.000 IE/0.4ML
Injection, solutionParenteral40.000 I.E./1.0ML
Injection, solutionParenteral40000 I.E./1.0ML
Injection, solutionParenteral40000 IE/1.0ML
Injection, solutionParenteral4000 IE/0.4ML
Injection, solutionParenteral5000 IE/0.5ML
Injection, solutionParenteral6.000 IE/0.6ML
Injection, solutionParenteral6000 IE/0.6ML
Injection, solutionParenteral8000 IE/0.8ML
Injection, solution4000 IU/1ml
Solution10000 IU/0.6ml
Solution2000 IU/0.3ml
Solution30000 IU/0.6ml
Solution5000 IU/0.3ml
Injection, solution2000 iu/0. 5ml
Solution10000 iu/1ml
Solution2000 iu/1ml
Injection, solution4000 iu/0.4ml
Injection, solution5000 IU/0.5ml
Injection, powder, for solution4000 IU

Relative safety and efficacy of various drugs – epoetins in the treatment of anemia in people with chronic kidney disease

This translation is out of date. Please click here for the latest English version of this review.

Several drugs are available to treat anemia in people with chronic kidney disease, but it is not yet clear whether these drugs are similar or different in their ability to reduce anemia symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath, and whether they are equally safe given the risk the occurrence of a stroke or heart attack during their use. This is due to the lack of studies comparing the effects of one drug directly with another. We found 56 studies involving 15596 people who evaluated the safety and ability of these drugs to improve well-being, kidney function, and survival in patients with kidney disease. Our last literature search was conducted in February 2014.

We have some confidence that the four drugs (epoetin alfa, epoetin beta, darbepoetin beta, and methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta) are better than placebo injections in preventing the need for blood transfusions (blood transfusions) in patients. We are less confident that biosimilars (biosimilars) are better than placebo in helping patients avoid blood transfusions.

All erythropoiesis-stimulating drugs can cause an increase in blood [blood] pressure, but we cannot be absolutely sure that biosimilars (biosimilars) have an effect on blood pressure. We cannot be sure of other important effects of these drugs – we are not sure if these drugs are similar or different in their effect on the chances of death, heart attack or stroke; the risk of a blood clot (blood clot) in a fistula or vascular catheter needed for dialysis; or the chances of needing dialysis in people with milder kidney disease. We are not sure if different medicines are better than others in their effect on symptoms [symptom reduction] such as fatigue or shortness of breath, as available scientific studies generally do not measure/evaluate these aspects of treatment well.

In general, it is not known whether different medicines are safer or better at treating symptoms of anemia in people with kidney disease. It is likely that most, if not all, drugs prevent patients from needing transfusions [blood transfusions]. The decision to select a drug to treat anemia in a patient with kidney disease can be made between patients and healthcare professionals based on shared/shared preferences, how often the drug should be taken, and considering drug costs and availability.

Translation notes:

Translation: Baiysbekov Kairat Baiysbekovich. Editing: Yudina Ekaterina Viktorovna. Russian translation project coordination: Kazan Federal University. For questions related to this translation, please contact us at: lezign@gmail. com

EPOETIN-ALFA INDUCED PARTIAL RED CELL APPLASIA. CLINICAL CASE

Clinical case

Likunov Evgeny Borisovich
Mordovian State University N.P. Ogaryova

Autoimmune depressions of the red bone marrow germ PKKA occur as a result of suppression of the production of own erythrocytes, which occurs due to the suppression of erythropoiesis by immune mechanisms during the interaction of antibodies with bone marrow erythrocytes [1].

An interesting fact of the development of epoetin-induced PPKA in a sick child of 8 years old with a diagnosis of chronic renal failure, who received epoetin alfa Eprex as a treatment for anemia, is described.

Clinically and laboratory this condition is manifested by normochromic anemia (Hb – 50 g/l, E – 1.2, reticulocytes 0.5%). inhibition of erythroid growth. In the blood serum, a sharp increase in the level of iron up to 80 μmol / l with the development of hemosiderosis of the liver and lungs according to ultrasound and puncture biopsy.

The development of PPCA was preceded by 6 months of administration of recombinant erythropoietin alfa Eprex, subcutaneously at a dose of 50 IU/kg/week. After discontinuation of the drug, treatment with cyclosporine A was carried out. Subsequently, the patient was prescribed Darbopoetin alfa (Aranesp), to which the patient responded without complications, while complete recovery of the erythroid germ in the bone marrow occurred within 1 year. Unfortunately, it was not possible to detect and evaluate the titer of antibodies to erythrocytes, erythrocytes and erythropoietin due to the lack of this research method.

There are no more than 506 case reports of epoetin-induced partial red cell aplasia worldwide [2]. At the same time, PCCA was diagnosed in 208 cases in patients with chronic renal failure.

The disease develops, as a rule, with the subcutaneous injection of a recombinant erythropoietin preparation. An interesting fact remains that PPCA did not develop during intravenous infusion of this drug [3]. At the same time, the majority of patients develop the following immunological phenomena: combinations of serum autoantibodies to both erythrokaryocytes, erythrocytes, and (anti-EPO) and rHuEPO [4] antibodies are formed, this leads to inhibition of the erythroid germ and the development of normochromic anemia with an increase in the level of the gland and the development organ hemosiderosis. The formed antibodies neutralize rHuEPO and also interact with endogenous erythropoietin, resulting in a sharp decrease in serum erythropoietin levels.

This phenomenon may be associated with differences in the molecular structure and glycosylation of exogenous types of erythropoietins compared to endogenous, further research is ongoing to study this rare but dangerous complication [5].

Literature

  1. Cazzola M. Erythropoietin therapy: need for rationality and active surveillance. Haematologica/Journal of haematology, 2003.
  2. Casadevall N, Nataf J, Viron B, Kolta A, Kiladjan J-J, Martin-Dupont P, Michaud P, Papo T, Ugo V, Teyssandier I, Varet B, Mayeux P.