DrugLib.com — Drug Information Portal

Rx drug information, pharmaceutical research, clinical trials, news, and more

Aranesp (Erythropoiesis Stimulating Protein) - Indications and Dosage

 
 



INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Anemia Due to Chronic Kidney Disease

Aranesp is indicated for the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD), including patients on dialysis and patients not on dialysis.

Anemia Due to Chemotherapy in Patients With Cancer

Aranesp is indicated for the treatment of anemia in patients with non-myeloid malignancies where anemia is due to the effect of concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy, and upon initiation, there is a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy.

Limitations of Use

Aranesp has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being.

Aranesp is not indicated for use:

  • In patients with cancer receiving hormonal agents, biologic products, or radiotherapy, unless also receiving concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
  • In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure.
  • As a substitute for RBC transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia [see Clinical Pharmacology].

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Evaluation of Iron Stores and Nutritional Factors

Evaluate the iron status in all patients before and during treatment and maintain iron repletion. Correct or exclude other causes of anemia (e.g., vitamin deficiency, metabolic or chronic inflammatory conditions, bleeding, etc.) before initiating Aranesp [see Warnings and Precautions ].

Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

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. No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, Aranesp dose, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks. Individualize dosing and use the lowest dose of Aranesp sufficient to reduce the need for RBC transfusions [see Warnings and Precautions]. Physicians and patients should weigh the possible benefits of decreasing transfusions against the increased risks of death and other serious cardiovascular adverse events [see Boxed Warning and Clinical Studies ].

For all patients with CKD

When initiating or adjusting therapy, monitor hemoglobin levels at least weekly until stable, then monitor at least monthly. When adjusting therapy consider hemoglobin rate of rise, rate of decline, ESA responsiveness and hemoglobin variability. A single hemoglobin excursion may not require a dosing change.

  • Do not increase the dose more frequently than once every 4 weeks. Decreases in dose can occur more frequently. Avoid frequent dose adjustments.
  • If the hemoglobin rises rapidly (e.g., more than 1 g/dL in any 2-week period), reduce the dose of Aranesp by 25% or more as needed to reduce rapid responses.
  • For patients who do not respond adequately, if the hemoglobin has not increased by more than 1 g/dL after 4 weeks of therapy, increase the dose by 25%.
  • For patients who do not respond adequately over a 12-week escalation period, increasing the Aranesp dose further is unlikely to improve response and may increase risks. Use the lowest dose that will maintain a hemoglobin level sufficient to reduce the need for RBC transfusions. Evaluate other causes of anemia. Discontinue Aranesp if responsiveness does not improve.


For patients with CKD on dialysis:

  • Initiate Aranesp treatment when the hemoglobin level is less than 10 g/dL.
  • If the hemoglobin level approaches or exceeds 11 g/dL, reduce or interrupt the dose of Aranesp.
  • The recommended starting dose is 0.45 mcg/kg intravenously or subcutaneously as a weekly injection or 0.75 mcg/kg once every 2 weeks as appropriate. The intravenous route is recommended for patients on hemodialysis.


For patients with CKD not on dialysis:

  • Consider initiating Aranesp treatment only when the hemoglobin level is less than 10 g/dL and the following considerations apply: The rate of hemoglobin decline indicates the likelihood of requiring a RBC transfusion and,
  • Reducing the risk of alloimmunization and/or other RBC transfusion-related risks is a goal.
  • If the hemoglobin level exceeds 10 g/dL, reduce or interrupt the dose of Aranesp, and use the lowest dose of Aranesp sufficient to reduce the need for RBC transfusions.
  • The recommended starting dose is 0.45 mcg/kg body weight intravenously or subcutaneously given once at four week intervals as appropriate.
  • When treating patients who have chronic kidney disease and cancer, physicians should refer to Warnings and Precautions (5.1 and 5.3).

    Refer patients who self-administer Aranesp to the Instructions for Use [see Patient Counseling Information].

    Conversion from Epoetin alfa to Aranesp in patients with CKD on dialysis

    Aranesp is administered less frequently than epoetin alfa.

    • Administer Aranesp once weekly in patients who were receiving epoetin alfa 2 to 3 times weekly.
    • Administer Aranesp once every 2 weeks in patients who were receiving epoetin alfa once weekly.

    Estimate the starting weekly dose of Aranesp for adults and pediatric patients on the basis of the weekly epoetin alfa dose at the time of substitution (see Table 1). Maintain the route of administration (intravenous or subcutaneous injection).

    Table 1. Estimated Aranesp Starting Doses (mcg/week) for Patients With CKD on Dialysis Based on Previous Epoetin alfa Dose (Units/week)
     Previous Weekly Epoetin alfa Dose (Units/week)  Aranesp Dose (mcg/week)
     Adult  Pediatric
     < 1,500  6.25   1
     1,500 to 2,499  6.25  6.25
     2,500 to 4,999  12.5  10
     5,000 to 10,999  25  20
     11,000 to 17,999  40  40
     18,000 to 33,999  60  60
     34,000 to 89,999  100  100
     ≥ 90,000  200  200

    1 For pediatric patients receiving a weekly epoetin alfa dose of < 1,500 Units/week, the available data are insufficient to determine an Aranesp conversion dose.

    Conversion from Epoetin alfa to Aranesp in patients with CKD not on dialysis

    The dose conversion depicted in Table 1 does not accurately estimate the once monthly dose of Aranesp.

    Patients on Cancer Chemotherapy

    Initiate Aranesp in patients on cancer chemotherapy only if the hemoglobin is less than 10 g/dL, and if there is a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy.

    Use the lowest dose of Aranesp necessary to avoid RBC transfusions.

    Recommended Starting Dose

    The recommended starting dose and schedules are:

    • 2.25 mcg/kg every week subcutaneously until completion of a chemotherapy course
    • 500 mcg every 3 weeks subcutaneously until completion of a chemotherapy course
    Dose Adjustment
     Dose Adjustment  Weekly Schedule  Every 3 Week Schedule
     
    • If hemoglobin increases greater than 1 g/dL in any 2-week period or
    • If hemoglobin reaches a level needed to avoid RBC transfusion
     Reduce dose by 40%  Reduce dose by 40%
     If hemoglobin exceeds a level needed to avoid RBC transfusion  
    • Withhold dose until hemoglobin approaches a level where RBC transfusions may be required
    • Reinitiate at a dose 40% below the previous dose
     
    • Withhold dose until hemoglobin approaches a level where RBC transfusions may be required
    • Reinitiate at a dose 40% below the previous dose
     If hemoglobin increases by less than 1 g/dL and remains below 10 g/dL after 6 weeks of therapy  Increase dose to 4.5 mcg/kg/week  No dose adjustment
     
    • If there is no response as measured by hemoglobin levels or if RBC transfusions are still required after 8 weeks of therapy
    • Following completion of a chemotherapy course
     Discontinue Aranesp  Discontinue Aranesp

    Preparation and Administration

    • The needle cover of the prefilled syringe contains dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex), which may cause allergic reactions.
    • Do not shake. Do not use Aranesp that has been shaken or frozen.
    • Protect vials and prefilled syringes from light.
    • Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not use any vials or prefilled syringes exhibiting particulate matter or discoloration.
    • Discard unused portion of Aranesp in vials or prefilled syringes. Do not re-enter vial.
    • Do not dilute Aranesp and do not administer in conjunction with other drug solutions.

    DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

    Aranesp is available as a polysorbate-containing solution.

    • Single-dose vials: 25, 40, 60, 100, 200, 300, and 500 mcg Aranesp/1 mL, and 150 mcg Aranesp/0.75 mL
    • Single-dose prefilled syringes: 25 mcg Aranesp/0.42 mL, 40 mcg Aranesp/0.4 mL, 60 mcg Aranesp/0.3 mL, 100 mcg Aranesp/0.5 mL, and 150 mcg Aranesp/0.3 mL, 200 mcg Aranesp/0.4 mL, 300 mcg Aranesp/0.6 mL, and 500 mcg Aranesp/1 mL

    HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

    Store at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze.

    Do not shake. Protect from light; store Aranesp in the carton until use.

    Do not use Aranesp that has been shaken or frozen.

    Aranesp is available in the following packages:

    Single-dose Vial

     1 Vial/Pack, 4 Packs/Case  4 Vials/Pack, 10 Packs/Case
     200 mcg/1 mL
    (NDC 55513-006-01)

    300 mcg/1 mL
    (NDC 55513-110-01)

     25 mcg/1 mL
    (NDC 55513-002-04)

    40 mcg/1 mL
    (NDC 55513-003-04)

    60 mcg/1 mL
    (NDC 55513-004-04)

    100 mcg/1 mL
    (NDC 55513-005-04)

    150 mcg/0.75 mL
    (NDC 55513-053-04)

      Single-dose Prefilled Syringe (SingleJect®) with a 27-gauge, ½-inch needle with an UltraSafe®  Needle Guard that is manually activated to cover the needle during disposal

     1 Syringe/Pack, 4 Packs/Case  4 Syringes/Pack, 10 Packs/Case
     200 mcg/0.4 mL
    (NDC 55513-028-01)

    300 mcg/0.6 mL
    (NDC 55513-111-01)

    500 mcg/1 mL
    (NDC 55513-032-01)

     25 mcg/0.42 mL
    (NDC 55513-057-04)

    40 mcg/0.4 mL
    (NDC 55513-021-04)

    60 mcg/0.3 mL
    (NDC 55513-023-04)

    100 mcg/0.5 mL
    (NDC 55513-025-04)

    150 mcg/0.3 mL
    (NDC 55513-027-04)

    -- advertisement -- The American Red Cross
     
    Home | About Us | Contact Us | Site usage policy | Privacy policy

    All Rights reserved - Copyright DrugLib.com, 2006-2017