Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta - Intravenous/Subcutaneous

Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta is used to treat anaemia (low red blood cell count in the body) caused by long-term kidney disease.

Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) or subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm or abdomen area).

Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.

If you or your caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of this medicine, you or your caregiver may do the administration.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta.

If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.

If you or a caregiver had been trained to administer this medicine and missed a dose, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you forgot to administer your dose.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• uncontrolled high blood pressure
• pure red cell aplasia (a rare blood disorder where the bone marrow fails to produce normal number of red blood cells) that starts after treatment with this medicine or other similar medicines such as epoetin alfa or darbepoetin alfa

as Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• heart disease or stroke
• cancer
• fits or seizures
• other blood disorders

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, blood iron levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
• Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of fits or seizures and allergic reactions may also be needed.

Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta may cause any of the following side effects: headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain, muscle spasms, and back pain.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
• chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, lightheadedness
• weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
• rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.

If needed, it may be stored at room temperature (below 30°C) for a single period of up to 1 month.

Keep the pre-filled syringes in their original package to protect them from light.

If you notice that the injection has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.