PEG-Epo
Rx75 mcg/0.3 ml • IV/SC Injection
More from PEG-Epo
Other strengths and forms by Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Indications & Uses
Pharmacology
Pegylated erythropoietin is an erythropoietin receptor activator. Compared with erythropoietin, it is more active in vivo and stays in the body longer, because its half-life is increased.
The difference comes from an amide bond. This bond forms between the N-terminal amino group, or the ε-amino group of any lysine present in erythropoietin (mainly Lys52 and Lys45), and the Pegylated Erythropoietin (PEG).
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Start Pegylated Erythropoietin when the hemoglobin level is less than 10 g/dL. If the hemoglobin gets close to 11 g/dL or goes above it, reduce the dose or stop it for a while. If the hemoglobin rises quickly (for example, by more than 1 g/dL in any 2 week period), cut the dose by 25% or more, as needed, to slow the response.
Some patients don't respond well. If the hemoglobin has not gone up by more than 1 g/dL after 4 weeks of treatment, increase the dose by 25%. If there is still no adequate response over a 12 week escalation period, raising the dose further is unlikely to help and may increase risks.
For patients with CKD on dialysis, the recommended starting dose in adults who are not currently treated with an ESA is 0.6 mcg/kg body weight. It is given as a single IV or SC injection once every two weeks. Once the hemoglobin has stabilised, the injection can be given once monthly, using a dose twice that of the every two-week dose, and then adjusted as necessary.
For patients with CKD not on dialysis, the starting dose is the same. Adults who are not currently treated with an ESA receive 0.6 mcg/kg body weight as a single IV or SC injection once every two weeks. After the hemoglobin has stabilised, it can be given once monthly at twice the every two-week dose, and adjusted as necessary.
Conversion from another ESA to Pegylated Erythropoietin: patients whose hemoglobin has been stabilised on an ESA can take it once every two weeks or once monthly.
Side Effects
Increased mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke and thromboembolism, increased mortality and/or tumor progression in patients with cancer, hypertension, seizures, pure red cell aplasia, serious allergic reactions.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Aiming for a hemoglobin level above 11 g/dL with an ESA raises the rate of serious cardiovascular adverse reactions. Use Pegylated Erythropoietin with caution in patients who also have cardiovascular disease, stroke, seizure and similar conditions. Hypertension should be controlled before treatment starts and kept under control during it. Monitoring is needed for any change in seizure frequency or for premonitory symptoms. If severe anemia and a low reticulocyte count develop during treatment, withhold the medicine and evaluate the patient for neutralizing antibodies to erythropoietin.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pegylated Erythropoietin is Pregnancy Category C. It is not known whether the medicine passes into human breast milk. Many drugs do pass into milk, so take care when giving it to a nursing woman.
Evaluation of iron stores
Extra iron therapy is recommended for all patients whose serum ferritin is below 100 mcg/L or whose transferrin saturation is below 20%. Red blood cells need to be made effectively, so check iron status in every patient both before and during treatment.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
Too much Pegylated Erythropoietin can push haemoglobin above the level the doctor wants. If this happens, the dose is reduced or stopped, and/or phlebotomy is done. Severe hypertension has also been seen after overdose with ESAs.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep Pegylated Erythropoietin in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Protect it from light, and don't shake the syringe. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Common questions about PEG-Epo 75 mcg/0.3 ml
What is PEG-Epo 75 mcg/0.3 ml IV/SC Injection?
PEG-Epo 75 mcg/0.3 ml IV/SC Injection is a medicine that contains Pegylated Erythropoietin. It is made by Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Drugs for Haemolytic Hypoplastic & Renal Anemia group of medicines.
What is PEG-Epo used for?
PEG-Epo is used for: Anemia, Cancer.
What are the side effects of PEG-Epo?
Increased mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke and thromboembolism, increased mortality and/or tumor progression in patients with cancer, hypertension, seizures, pure red cell aplasia, serious allergic reactions.
Can I take PEG-Epo during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pegylated Erythropoietin is Pregnancy Category C. It is not known whether the medicine passes into human breast milk. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much PEG-Epo?
Too much Pegylated Erythropoietin can push haemoglobin above the level the doctor wants. If this happens, the dose is reduced or stopped, and/or phlebotomy is done. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store PEG-Epo?
Keep Pegylated Erythropoietin in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Protect it from light, and don't shake the syringe.
Do I need a prescription for PEG-Epo?
PEG-Epo is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.