Usual Adult Dose for Anemia

Initial dose: 1 mg/kg subcutaneously once every 3 weeks

• If no reduction in red blood cell transfusions after 2 doses (6 weeks), increase to 1.25 mg/kg.

• This drug is not a substitute for red blood cell transfusions in the immediate correction of anemia.
• Assess and review hemoglobin (Hgb) prior to each administration; if a red blood cell transfusion occurred prior to dosing, use pretransfusion Hgb for dosing purposes.
• If pre-dose Hgb is 11.5 g/dL or higher (not related to recent transfusion), delay dose until Hgb is 11 g/dL or less.
• If treatment response is lost, search for causative factors (e.g. bleeding event); if typical causes are excluded, increase dose to 1.25 mg.
• Discontinue therapy if no decrease in transfusions is seen after 9 weeks (3 doses) at the maximum dose or unacceptable toxicity occurs (at any time).

Usual Adult Dose for Thalassemia

Initial dose: 1 mg/kg subcutaneously once every 3 weeks

• If no reduction in red blood cell transfusions after 2 doses (6 weeks), increase to 1.25 mg/kg.

• This drug is not a substitute for red blood cell transfusions in the immediate correction of anemia.
• Assess and review hemoglobin (Hgb) prior to each administration; if a red blood cell transfusion occurred prior to dosing, use pretransfusion Hgb for dosing purposes.
• If pre-dose Hgb is 11.5 g/dL or higher (not related to recent transfusion), delay dose until Hgb is 11 g/dL or less.
• If treatment response is lost, search for causative factors (e.g. bleeding event); if typical causes are excluded, increase dose to 1.25 mg.
• Discontinue therapy if no decrease in transfusions is seen after 9 weeks (3 doses) at the maximum dose or unacceptable toxicity occurs (at any time).

Renal Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended for mild to moderate renal impairment.
Data not available for severe renal impairment

Liver Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended.

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS: None

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.
This drug is not recommended for use in children.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• For subcutaneous administration only into the upper arm, thigh, and/or abdomen.
• Missed/delayed doses: administer as soon as possible and continue dosing as prescribed, with at least 3 weeks between doses.

• Assess and review hemoglobin (Hgb) prior to each administration; if a red blood cell transfusion occurred prior to dosing, use pretransfusion Hgb for dosing purposes.
• If pre-dose Hgb is 11.5 g/dL or higher (not related to recent transfusion), delay dose until Hgb is 11 g/dL or less.