Pfizer's Retacrit, the First Erythropoietin Stimulating - BioSpace For the purposes of this policy, a conversion factor of 3 should be used to estimate hematocrit when only the hemoglobin is measured, e.g., hemoglobin of 10 g/dL is approximately equal to a hematocrit of 30%, a hemoglobin of 11 g/dL is . Recombinant human erythropoietins: very rare risk of severe cutaneous Mircera (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta) is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA). EP evaluation period, PEG-Epo methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta. DA, launched in 2001 [5, 7], contains 5 N-linked oligosaccharide chains, rather than the 3 contained in short-acting epoetins, which confer an approximately threefold longer serum half-life and mean residence time, allowing extended inter-dosing intervals [6]. In these hemodialysis patients switched from DA to PEG-Epo the DCR was 1.17 and 1.21 after accounting for the effect of transfusions. Control hypertension prior to initiating and during treatment with Aranesp or EPOGEN. Conclusion: A dose approximating 0. PDF Aranesp, Epogen, Mircera, Procrit, Retacrit - Cigna WARNING: ESAs INCREASE THE RISK OF DEATH, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE, VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM, THROMBOSIS OF VASCULAR ACCESS and TUMOR PROGRESSION OR RECURRENCE CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: Please see full Prescribing Information including Boxed WARNING, and Medication Guide(English, Espaol) for MIRCERA (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta) Injection, for Intravenous or Subcutaneous Use. -, Macdougall IC. Am J Nephrol. Correct or exclude other causes of anemia (e.g., vitamin deficiency, metabolic or chronic inflammatory conditions, bleeding, etc.) Conclusion: 2001;38:803812. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Evaluate the iron status in all patients before and during treatment. All groups were assessed at the end of the study for safety and efficacy parameters. Epoetin alfa (Eprex [JanssenCilag], Binocrit [Sandoz], and epoetin zeta (Retacrit, - Hospira UK): the initial dose is 150 IU kg-1 given subcutaneously three times per week.5 -7 Alternatively, epoetin alfa can be administered at an initial dose of 450 IU kg 1 subcutaneously once weekly.5-7 The maximum recommended dose is 900 IU kg-1 EPOGEN (epoetin alfa) is indicated for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients on dialysis to decrease the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. Waiting game continues with Mircera launch | Evaluate PEG-Epo methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta. Further exploration of the relationship between DA and PEG-Epo doses using the BlandAltman method [10], which circumvents the limitations of the regression method in this type of investigation, indicated that the variability in the dose differences increased as doses increased, while the level of concordance decreased with increasing ESA dose. aranesp to retacrit conversiontuto amigurumi grenouille au crochet. See this image and copyright information in PMC. Mircera is used to reduce or avoid the need for RBC transfusions. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Drug class: Recombinant human erythropoietins. Of 302 patients enrolled, 206 had data available for DCR analysis. 2014 Nov;31(11):1155-68. doi: 10.1007/s12325-014-0161-5. DCR was calculated for patients with Hb and ESA data available in both evaluation periods (EP; Months 1 and 2 were defined as the pre-switch EP, and Months 6 and 7 as the post-switch EP). Do not use any prefilled syringes exhibiting particulate matter or a coloration other than colorless to slightly yellowish. Hrl WH. The enrolling dialysis centers were situated in France, Germany, Spain and the UK, and each was expected to enroll a minimum of 20 patients into the study. methoxypolyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (meh-thok-see-pah-lee-eh-thih-leen gly-kol ee-poh-eh-tin bay-ta) , Mircera (trade name) Classification Therapeutic: antianemics Pharmacologic: hormones Pregnancy Category: C Indications Anemia due to chronic renal failure. Geometric mean weekly PEG-Epo dose at Month 1 post-switch was 26.7g (95% CI 24.4, 29.3), rising to 29g (95% CI 26.2, 32.2) by Month 7 post-switch. Studies of erythropoietin therapy in patients with chronic anemia of cancer as well as CIA document response rates ranging from ~60% to 85%. Epoetin zeta | Drugs | BNF | NICE Yves Dimitrov, Julie Rieger, Thierry Hannedouche, Toru Kawai, Yoshie Kusano, Takao Masaki, Shubhadeep D. Sinha, Vamsi Krishna Bandi, Santosh Durugkar, Jonathan Barratt, Frank Dellanna, Michael Reusch, Terumasa Hayashi, Hideki Kato, Ichiei Narita, Rufaida Mazahir, Kanav Anand & P. K. Pruthi, Giovanna Stoppa, Carmen DAmore, ESAVIEW Study Group, Ylenia Ingrasciotta, Valeria Belleudi, On behalf of the Italian Biosimilars Network (I-BioNetwork), Luciano A. Pedrini, Mario Comelli, Stefano Stuard, Advances in Therapy PDF Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents - Commercial Medical Benefit Drug Policy Aranesp and EPOGEN increase the risk of seizures in patients with CKD. 8600 Rockville Pike Introduction: PDF beta (Mircera ) Protocol - Northwest Kidney Centers Initial Treatment: 0.6 mcg/kg body weight administered once every two weeks (2.2). Mircera (Methoxy Polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta): Uses - RxList Analysis of relationship between pre- and post-switch erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dose. Once Every Two Weeks (mcg/every two weeks). Discontinue MIRCERA, When administered subcutaneously, MIRCERA. In responding to hypoxia, erythropoietin interacts with erythroid progenitor . MIRCERA has an approximate molecular weight of 60 kDa. as a substitute for red blood cell transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia. Examine each prefilled syringe for the expiration date. Careers. 2. In controlled clinical trials of patients with cancer, ESAs increased the risks for death and serious adverse cardiovascular reactions. Secondary outcomes included Hb concentrations and ESA use during the study period, and the incidence of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. Matsumura K, Okumiya T, Sugiura T, Takahashi N, Yamamoto Y, Kikuchi S, Fujii K, Otagaki M, Shiojima I. BMC Nephrol. Excluding patients receiving a transfusion within 90days of or during either EP, the DCR was 1.21 (95% CI 1.09, 1.35). In conclusion, this study has shown that in a cohort of European hemodialysis patients who converted from DA to PEG-Epo (and who completed 67months treatment with PEG-Epo post-conversion), there was an approximately 20% increase in the g dose required to achieve a comparable Hb profile. I certify that I am a healthcare professional in the US. Mean Hb was 11.5 g/dL in the pre-switch EP and 11.4 g/dL in the post-switch EP. Conversion from Epoetin alfa or Darbepoetin alfa to Mircera in Pediatric Patients with CKD Treated with Hemodialysis Administer Mircera intravenously once every 4 weeks to pediatric patients (ages 5 to 17 years) whose hemoglobin level has been stabilized by treatment with an ESA. Mourad Farouk is an employee of Amgen with Amgen stock ownership. Vifor (International) Inc. MIRCERA- methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin For lack or loss of hemoglobin response to Aranesp or EPOGEN, initiate a search for causative factors. -, Kazmi WH, Kausz AT, Khan S, et al. Dosage form: injection, solution You may also report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Disposition of patients. -, Macdougall IC. The primary outcome measure, the geometric mean maintenance DCR, was calculated to be 1.17 (95% CI 1.05, 1.29). Decreases in dose can occur more frequently. The conversion rate was 354:1 in patients requiring high (>200 IU/kg/week) doses of epoetin and 291:1 in patients requiring low doses. Mircera with 1-step decrease as soon as Hgb is < 11.8 g/dL and last dose was administered 2 weeks ago or more. . Hemoglobin level and weekly equivalent erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dose during the 14-month observation period. Indication Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) is indicated for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD), including patients on dialysis and patients not on dialysis.Limitations of Use Aranesp has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being. 4 x previous weekly epoetin alfa dose (Units)/125, e.g., 4 x 1500 Units of epoetin alfa per week/125 = 48 mcg of Mircera once every 4 weeks, 4 x previous weekly darbepoetin alfa dose (mcg)/0.55, e.g., 4 x 20 mcg of darbepoetin alfa per week/0.55 = 145.5 mcg of Mircera once every 4 weeks. Do not use Mircera after the expiration date. About ARANESP (darbepoetin alfa) | Amgen ESA | HCP Values are means (arithmetic for hemoglobin, geometric for dose) with 95% confidence intervals. Learn about Mircera, potential side effects, proper use and dosing, and popular alternatives. This compares with a 35% decline in Epogen sales during the same period to $1.13bn, as competition from Mircera and biosimilars, like by Sandoz' Binocrit, reach the markets. DCR was calculated for patients with Hb and ESA data available in both evaluation periods (EP; Months 1 and 2 were defined as the pre-switch EP, and Months 6 and 7 as the post-switch EP). \ab/`IR 4%jI ^w7qQNA Tq Wz.oVfCVBT{h*>\\3u#P@"wW7|pIMB7 When administered subcutaneously, Mircera should be injected in the abdomen, arm or thigh. Peter Choi, MB BChir, PhD, FRCP (UK), has received lecturing and consulting fees from Amgen, and has participated in advisory boards for Amgen. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Red blood cell transfusions pre- and post-switch, Summary of the last hemoglobin concentrations recorded within 14days prior to red blood cell transfusions pre- and post-switch. _____ (if . Do you wish to proceed? Evaluation of Iron Stores and Nutritional Factors. Use caution in patients with coexistent cardiovascular disease and stroke. 1MIRCERA [prescribing information]. Using ESAs to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL increases the risk of serious adverse cardiovascular reactions and has not been shown to provide additional benefit. The conversion from EpoB to CERA (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta; Mircera; Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland) once monthly was already decided by the health care payer policy, who is the provider of erythropoietin stimulating agents for all patients, and was planned after a period of 6 months. Values are means (arithmetic for hemoglobin, geometric for dose) with 95% confidence intervals. Clin Kidney J. American Society of Hematology Self-Assessment Program (Adam - Scribd Following administration, remove the needle from the injection site and then release the plunger to allow the needle guard to move up until the entire needle is covered. A motion conversion mechanism 123 includes a yoke 153 and a rotatable member 149, which causes the yoke 152, . endobj DA can be administered once a week (QW) or once every 2weeks (Q2W) to hemodialysis patients. Epub 2022 Apr 22. Patients were excluded if they had participated in any interventional study within 30days before the 7-month period preceding the switch or at any subsequent time up to 7months after the switch. -. 4! Procrit dosing calculator | Math Applications When initiating or adjusting therapy, monitor hemoglobin levels at least weekly until stable, then monitor at least monthly. Mircera is administered by subcutaneous (SC) or intravenous (IV) injection (2.2). Data were collected from 7 months before until 7 months after switching treatment. Data on clinical and laboratory parameters relating to CKD management were abstracted from patient records and entered into an anonymized study-specific central database by study center staff. %PDF-1.7 Mircera at Best Price in India - IndiaMART Analysis of relationship between pre- and post-switch erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dose. PMC Mircera contains no preservatives. Mircera | European Medicines Agency Dose by Weight Chart - Resourcehub Epogen Dosage Guide - Drugs.com Epogen, Procrit (epoetin alfa) dosing, indications, interactions Am J Kidney Dis. Of 302 patients enrolled, 206 had data available for DCR analysis. [3] It is the first approved, chemically modified erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA). St. Gallen, Switzerland: Vifor (International) Inc.; June 2018. No test of statistical significance was performed on any of the clinical characteristics. Immediately and permanently discontinue Aranesp or EPOGEN if a serious allergic For Adult Patients with CKD not on dialysis: Refer patients who self-administer Mircera to the Instructions for Use [see Patient Counseling Information (17)]. Recombinant human erythropoietin is effective in AFFIRM demonstrated non-linearity of the dose relationship curve, with DCR decreasing as pre-switch DA dose increased. Would you like email updates of new search results? Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. Prise en charge anmie rnale - Nephro.blog history of serious or severe allergic reactions to MIRCERA (e.g., anaphylactic reactions, angioedema, bronchospasm, pruritus, skin rash, and urticaria). HQ-MIR-1900027 Site last modified: January 2023. Contributed by. The Cost-Effectiveness of Continuous Erythropoiesis Receptor - Hindawi Bland JM, Altman DG. Amgen Wins Patent Battle Over Roche's Anemia Drug OK 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS. NCI CPTC Antibody Characterization Program, Astor BC, Muntner P, Levin A, Eustace JA, Coresh J. Accounting for the effect of transfusion, the DCR was 1.21 (95% CI 1.09, 1.35). No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, ESA dose, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks. Am J Kidney Dis. Bookshelf 1986;327:30710. % The data from this study were analyzed using SAS Statistical Software v9.2 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). PDF Mircera, INN: methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta ONLY administer MIRCERA intravenously in pediatric patients. ESAs resulted in decreased locoregional control/progression-free survival and/or overall survival. Box 1557, 6301, Zug, Switzerland, Amgen (UK) Limited, 240 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, UK, You can also search for this author in A rate of hemoglobin rise of greater than 1 g/dL over 2 weeks may contribute to these risks. Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that begins after treatment with Mircera or other erythropoietin protein drugs. Mircera will be administered IV to HD patients, and SC to PD patients. More severe cases were recorded with long-acting agents (darbepoetin alfa and methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta). St. Gallen, Switzerland: Vifor (International) Inc.; June 2018. Before The .gov means its official. Finally, our study indicates that the risk of transfusion was higher in the post-switch compared with the pre-switch period, with an approximate threefold rise observed in the number of transfusions and units transfused post-switch. Months 7 to 1 constituted the pre-switch period, with switch defined as the date of first administration of PEG-Epo, and Months +1 to +7 constituted the post-switch period. Anemia: an early complication of chronic renal insufficiency. Aranesp Dosing and Conversion Brochure | Amgen Anemia Hub Do not pool unused portions from the prefilled syringes. A BlandAltman analysis [10] was also performed to assess the agreement between ESA doses in the evaluation periods. RBC transfusions were reported in terms of number of transfusions and number of units transfused, using descriptive statistics. By definition, the DCR could not be calculated for patients ineligible for the DCR analysis as these did not have the necessary parameters recorded in both EPs. Data quality and completeness were aided by automatic edit checks built into the database software. . 2012;59:44451. : | , Mircera would also have competed with Aranesp and with Procrit . A primary growth factor for erythroid development, erythropoietin is produced in the kidney and released into the bloodstream in response to hypoxia. Conversion - Epoetin alfa (Procrit) to Darbepoetin | GrepMed before initiating MIRCERA. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies What is the practical conversion dose when changing from epoetin alfa Pharmacotherapy Update - Automatic Therapeutic Interchange Program (0.6MB), Anemia Assessment and Management Brochure, Pathophysiology of Anemia in Patients with CKD, * Case studies and patient profiles are hypothetical, WARNING: ESAs INCREASE THE RISK OF DEATH, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE, VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM, THROMBOSIS OF VASCULAR ACCESS AND TUMOR PROGRESSION OR RECURRENCE. BlandAltman analysis of agreement between pre- and post-switch erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dose (. Composition: Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol-Epoetin Beta. In controlled trials, patients experienced greater risks for death, serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, and stroke when administered erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL. Mircera solution for injection in pre-filled syringe - Summary of HHS Vulnerability Disclosure, Help There were 16 transfusions and 34 units transfused in the pre-switch period, versus 48 transfusions and 95 units transfused post-switch. Patients with CKD and an insufficient hemoglobin response to ESA therapy may be at even greater risk for cardiovascular reactions and mortality than other patients. Monitor patients closely for new-onset seizures, premonitory symptoms, or change in seizure frequency. }"nUEcJumC0ooF Mircera (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta) 2002;162:14018. MIRCERA (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta) is the first erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) approved by FDA for once-monthly administration. EXTON, Pa., July 31, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Plagued by regulatory delays, the FDA finally granted approval for Retacrit in May 2018, making it the first biosimilar erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA) to become available in the US market. Please click to see accompanying Aranesp full prescribing information and EPOGEN full prescribing information, including Boxed WARNINGS and Medication Guide. Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) is indicated for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD), including patients on dialysis and patients not on dialysis. The majority of patients with CKD will require supplemental iron during the course of ESA therapy. adult patients on dialysis and adult patients not on dialysis. doi: 10.1001/archinte.162.12.1401. There was neither any requirement for a center to have been using DA as their sole long-acting ESA pre-switch, nor for every DA-treated patient to have been switched to PEG-Epo. Packaging Size: 0.3 ml. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (epoetin alfa, beta, theta and zeta Adverse reactions ( 5%) in EPOGEN clinical studies in patients with CKD were hypertension, arthralgia, muscle spasm, pyrexia, dizziness, medical device malfunction, vascular occlusion, and upper respiratory tract infection. Conversion from Another ESA: dosed once every 4 weeks based on total BlandAltman analysis of agreement between pre- and post-switch erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dose (n=205). The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If severe anemia and low reticulocyte count develop during treatment with Aranesp or EPOGEN, withhold Aranesp or EPOGEN and evaluate patients for neutralizing antibodies to erythropoietin. MIRCERA, methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta, is an ESA which differs from erythropoietin through formation of a chemical bond between an amino group present in erythropoietin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol (PEG) butanoic acid. Kazmi WH, Kausz AT, Khan S, et al. For patients who do not respond adequately over a 12-week escalation period, increasing the MIRCERA, Evaluate other causes of anemia. A rate of hemoglobin rise of > 1 g/dL over 2 weeks may contribute to these This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Low hemoglobin at hemodialysis initiation: an international study of anemia management and mortality in the early dialysis period. Karaboyas A, Morgenstern H, Waechter S, Fleischer NL, Vanholder R, Jacobson SH, Sood MM, Schaubel DE, Inaba M, Pisoni RL, Robinson BM. 6). Part of Springer Nature. Following initiation of therapy and after each dose adjustment, monitor hemoglobin weekly until the hemoglobin level is stable and sufficient to minimize the need for RBC transfusion. Maintenance treatment of renal anaemia in haemodialysis patients with methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta versus darbepoetin alfa administered monthly: a randomized comparative trial. The site is secure. Methods: The dose of Mircera, given as a single intravenous or subcutaneous injection, should be based on the The geometric mean DCR was 1.17 (95% CI 1.05, 1.29). If the hemoglobin rises rapidly (e.g., more than 1 g/dL in any 2-week period), reduce the dose of MIRCERA. Do not use the prefilled syringe more than once. Mircera ceiling is 200 mcg every two weeks (or 3.0 mcg/kg/2 weeks, whichever is lower). 2004;19(Suppl 2):ii1631. Tolman et al. In contrast, in the STRIATA study where stable hemodialysis patients receiving IV DA were randomized to Q2W PEG-Epo (outside current label guidance) or to continue on DA QW or Q2W, median PEG-Epo doses were described as stable across the 52-week post-switch period, although mean dose data were not reported [12]. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. The information provided in this site is intended only for healthcare professionals in the United States. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the If typical causes of lack or loss of hemoglobin response are excluded, evaluate for PRCA. Dissertation Les Fausses Confidences Stratagme, Les Fromagers De Thirache Horaires, Archange Gabriel Pouvoir, Adeline Franois Mari, Rdiger Un Rapport Sur Un lve En Difficult . risks. The study sample comprised adult patients (age 18years) with CKD who received maintenance hemodialysis between January 2008 and August 2011 and whose ESA treatment was switched from IV DA to IV PEG-Epo. Macdougall IC. 2010;25:400917. Anemia of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) Kidney Int. 4 0 obj Most frequent adverse reactions (5%) in adult patients with CKD treated with MIRCERA. 5) shows that most transfusions occurred in the first 4months post-switch. 2008;23:365461. Please click to see accompanying Aranesp full prescribing information and EPOGEN full prescribing information, including Boxed WARNINGS and Medication Guide. Patients included in the analysis were less likely to be diabetic (32% vs. 40%), more likely to be receiving DA at a longer dosing interval (60% vs. 73% at QW; 19% vs. 3% less frequently than Q2W), and received a lower geometric mean weekly dose of DA during the pre-switch EP (24.1 vs. 37.7g). Mircera Dosage Guide - Drugs.com Canaud B, Mingardi G, Braun J, et al. Google Scholar. Data were collected from 7months before until 7months after switching treatment. Cases of PRCA and of severe anemia, with or without other cytopenias that arise following the development of neutralizing antibodies to erythropoietin have been reported in patients treated with Aranesp or EPOGEN. This medicine is not for treating anemia caused by cancer chemotherapy. Conclusion: In patients on hemodialysis receiving ESAs, conversion from epoetin alfa to darbepoetin alfa was associated with an approximate and persistent reduction of 65% of the required dose. There were 16 transfusion events in the pre-switch period and 48 post-switch, with a total of 34 units transfused pre-switch and 95 units in the post-switch period (Fig. pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that begins after treatment with MIRCERA or other erythropoietin protein drugs. Association of kidney function with anemia: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (19881994). Adverse Reactions: Hypertension, diarrhea,. Publication management support was provided by Caterina Hatzifoti, PhD, of Amgen Europe GmbH. Association of erythropoietin resistance and fibroblast growth factor 23 in dialysis patients: Results from the Japanese Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study. aranesp to retacrit conversion Roche Registration Ltd., Welwyn Garden City, UK, 19 June 2012. http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/000739/WC500033672.pdf. Mircera (methoxy polyethylene glycol / epoetin beta) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more Drugs & Diseases methoxy polyethylene glycol / epoetin beta (Rx) Brand and. There are significant negative consequences associated with increased transfusion requirement in dialysis patients, including production of sensitizing anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies which, despite advances in immunosuppressant therapy [13], may impair or prevent transplantation in patients otherwise eligible for receipt of a kidney graft. Administer Mircera either intravenously or subcutaneously in adult patients and only intravenously in pediatric patients. Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that begins after treatment with MIRCERA, History of serious or severe allergic reactions to MIRCERA. MIRCERA- methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta PubMedGoogle Scholar. [citation needed] However, healthcare-resource utilization and cost data were not collected in this study, preventing comparison of these variables between the pre-switch and post-switch periods. There were 16 transfusions and 34 units transfused in the pre-switch period, versus 48 transfusions and 95 units transfused post-switch. Anemia Associated with Chronic Renal Failure, Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta 30ug in 0.3mL, Drug class: recombinant human erythropoietins. For recommended dose equivalency, see Tables A and B (below). Hemoglobin level and weekly equivalent erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dose during the 14-month observation period. Am J Kidney Dis. Accessed 18 October 2013. Epub 2011 Dec 2. An additional analysis was performed to explore the effect of transfusions on the DCR, by exclusion of patients with a transfusion within 90days prior to or during either EP from the analysis.