methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta at a glance
Medicine class
Continuous erythropoietin receptor activator; an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent.
Licensed role
Symptomatic anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease.
How it is given
Injection under the skin or into a vein, as directed by the renal team.
Key monitoring
Haemoglobin, blood pressure and iron status require ongoing review.
Storage
Keep refrigerated, do not freeze and protect from light; follow pack instructions if removed from refrigeration.
What is methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta used for?
UK-licensed uses represented by the selected product are:
Treatment of symptomatic anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease in adults.
Treatment of symptomatic anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease in children from 3 months of age who are converting from another erythropoiesis-stimulating agent after haemoglobin has been stabilised.
How does methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta work?
It binds erythropoietin receptors on developing blood cells in bone marrow, stimulating red blood cell production and increasing haemoglobin. Its modified structure produces prolonged receptor activation compared with natural erythropoietin.
How to take methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta
Use only as instructed by the specialist renal team. Adults may self-inject after training; people under 18 should have injections given by a healthcare professional or trained adult caregiver.
The prescribed route may be under the skin or into a vein.
Suitable under-the-skin sites include the abdomen, thigh or upper arm; rotate sites and avoid sore, bruised, scarred or damaged skin.
Allow the syringe to reach room temperature naturally before use. Do not shake or heat it.
Use only a clear, colourless to slightly yellow solution without visible particles.
Use each syringe once, do not give a partial syringe and place used equipment in an approved sharps container.
Food and drink do not affect the injection.
methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta side effects
Common or expected effects
- High blood pressure
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis
- Severe blistering or peeling skin reactions, including Stevens–Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Blood clots, including pulmonary embolism or thrombosis of dialysis access
- Very high blood pressure with severe headache, confusion, speech disturbance or seizures
- Pure red cell aplasia, causing an unexpected severe fall in red blood cell production
- Low platelet count
methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta in pregnancy
There are no adequate human pregnancy data. Prescribing requires specialist assessment of the expected benefit and uncertainty for the pregnancy; tell the renal team if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or think you may be pregnant.
methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta passes into human milk. A specialist should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding and treatment before deciding whether either should be interrupted.
methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed, and there is no evidence that this medicine alters the metabolism of other medicines. Important treatment combinations should still be reviewed.
Interferon with ribavirin in hepatitis C
Combining these with an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent has rarely been associated with loss of effect and antibody-mediated pure red cell aplasia; discuss the combination with the specialist team.
Other injectable medicines
Do not mix in the same syringe because compatibility has not been established.
Common questions about methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta used for?
It treats symptomatic anaemia caused by chronic kidney disease by increasing red blood cell production.
Is methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta a form of erythropoietin?
It is a laboratory-produced erythropoietin receptor activator with a modified structure that gives a prolonged effect.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.