epoetin beta at a glance
Medicine class
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent
How it is given
Injection under the skin or into a vein, depending on the clinical setting
Key monitoring
Haemoglobin, blood pressure and iron status require regular review
Presentation
Sterile, preservative-free, single-use pre-filled syringe
What is epoetin beta used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Symptomatic anaemia associated with chronic renal failure in adults and children
Prevention of anaemia of prematurity in eligible premature infants
Symptomatic anaemia in adults with non-myeloid cancers who are receiving chemotherapy
Increasing autologous blood collection before major elective surgery in carefully selected patients
How does epoetin beta work?
Epoetin beta acts like erythropoietin normally produced by the kidneys. It promotes the survival and maturation of developing red cells in bone marrow, increasing red blood cell and haemoglobin production.
How to take epoetin beta
Treatment should be started by an experienced clinician. Epoetin beta may be given by a healthcare professional or self-injected under the skin after appropriate training.
Use the pre-filled syringe once only and dispose of it in an approved sharps container.
Use only clear, colourless or slightly opalescent solution without visible particles.
For injection under the skin, use a trained site such as the thigh or lower abdomen and rotate sites.
Do not inject into bruised, scarred, red, tender or broken skin.
Keep refrigerated in its carton, protect from light and do not freeze.
epoetin beta side effects
Common or expected effects
- Raised or worsening blood pressure, particularly in chronic kidney disease
- Headache
- Reduced iron stores
- Blood clots in adults with cancer receiving chemotherapy
Get urgent medical advice
- Severely raised blood pressure, which may cause sudden severe headache, confusion, neurological symptoms or seizures
- A serious allergic reaction with swelling, wheezing, breathing difficulty, faintness or collapse
- Blood clots, including thrombosis of dialysis access
- Severe blistering or peeling skin reactions
- Pure red cell aplasia, causing an unexpected fall in haemoglobin and severe anaemia
epoetin beta in pregnancy
Information about epoetin beta exposure during pregnancy is limited. It should be prescribed cautiously after specialist assessment of the expected benefit and uncertainty about risk.
epoetin beta while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether epoetin beta passes into human milk. The prescriber should consider the importance of treatment, the benefits of breastfeeding and the infant's circumstances when deciding whether treatment and breastfeeding should continue.
epoetin beta interactions
Clinical evidence has not identified specific medicine interactions with epoetin beta. The clinical team should still review all medicines because treatment-related changes may require other therapy to be adjusted.
Heparin used during haemodialysis
Anticoagulation requirements may change as red-cell volume increases, so the dialysis team may need to review treatment.
Common questions about epoetin beta
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can epoetin beta be injected at home?
Some people can self-inject under the skin after training and confirmation from their healthcare team that this is appropriate.
Why is iron checked during treatment?
Making additional red blood cells uses iron. Low iron stores can reduce the response, so testing and iron replacement may be needed.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.