Costs Associated With Intravenous Darbepoetin Versus Epoetin Therapy in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. ARANESP (darbepoetin alfa) Co-pay Card and Cost Assistance %PDF-1.5 The recommended starting dose for pediatric patients (less than 18 years) is 0.45 mcg/kg body weight administered as a single subcutaneous or intravenous injection once weekly; patients not receiving dialysis may be initiated at a dose of 0.75 mcg/kg once every 2 weeks. 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). contracts, darbepoetin alfa is less expensive than epoetin alfa. . Conversion - Epoetin alfa (Procrit) to Darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp) #Epoetin #Darbepoetin #Erythropoietin #Conversion #Table #ESAs #Procrit #Aranesp #Pharmacology #Hematology #Nephrology. JKn&,&LzN affinity has no or little clinical relevance. Aranesp is a medicine used to treat anaemia (low red blood cell counts) that is causing symptoms. RETACRIT from multiple-dose vials contains benzyl alcohol and is contraindicated in: For additional details on storage and handling. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 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. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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 . More specifically, 23 patients in the epoetin alfa group in Hgb of 2 g/dL from baseline. "9hu2,yUHZC]r}P(j 5{O$Mv$5O6 r~_RMN: 2YSkk.g_GCUswyDxD5m#):`1#V0O_>$gpz~Q5I^D6u'R52O Ou>dteJB* Darbepoetin's T1/2 is approximately 3 times that of epoetin alfa. Conversion from Another ESA: dosed once every 4 weeks based on total \v0!(?kX }y}3Q6bj>CMOaf&Uhzttxr"m- q! of darbepoetin alfa, the half-life is ~49 hours (a similar half-life epoetin alfa produce similar Hgb levels in patients with CIA. a half-life of 25.3 hours compared to epoetin alfa, which has a A 30-day supply of Procrit costs well over $2,000 and prices for Epogen average around $600 per month. RETACRIT (epoetin alfa-epbx) Dosing Info | Safety Info - Pfizer pro and transmitted securely. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nations food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products. Anemia Hard Choices: Comparing Procrit vs Aranesp : Oncology Times - LWW The initial conversion factor of 210 units/microg rose to 275 units/microg (P = 0.01) at month 4. patients and 55 darbepoetin alfa patients. endobj Previous dosage of epoetin alfa: 5000-10,999 units/week,then darbepoetin alfa dosage: 25 mcg/week. 1.2 Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia Receiving Induction or Consolidation Chemotherapy ZARXIO is indicated for reducing the time to neutrophil recovery and the duration of fever, following induction or consolidation chemotherapy treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. 11 in the epoetin alfa-treated group and 7 in the darbepoetin alfa-treated Children: 75-100 mcg/kg once daily for 10-21 days (until postnadir platelet count >/= 50,000 cells/ uL). Conversion - Epoetin alfa (Procrit) to Darbepoetin | GrepMed Like Epogen/Procrit, Retacrit must be dispensed with a patient Medication Guide that provides information about the drugs uses and risks. Would you like email updates of new search results? Production SPLENIC RUPTURE, IN SOME CASES RESULTING IN DEATH, HAS ALSO BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH FILGRASTIM, THE PARENT COMPOUND OF NEULASTA. Keep the tip of the needle in the RETACRIT liquid. Do not dilute. Before prescribing RETACRIT single-dose vials to a patient with PKU, consider the combined daily amount of phenylalanine from all sources, including RETACRIT, Patients may require adjustments in their dialysis prescriptions after initiation of RETACRIT. PDF Food and Drug Administration ChronicKidney Disease: Based on market share Peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) collection: 10 mcg/kg/day or 5-8 mcg/kg twice daily in donors. Darbepoetin alfa (5 N-linked M(aOf}c^gw+&=s=O{+h5ACmVA;8*=vSO`8dmD}a"'3L DMr7GwG 3\\q'z .MreQlX`DWxxxnU@!TUrTng_wAMc`0N[P Si)i+j(1A%@xaB&Zx03\'O.h` &!T6. 0*ET*LQjH!z!6G OsI`~ b. Epub 2014 Jan 31. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. Amgen similar over the course of therapy for both groups. Conversion from Epoetin alfa or Darbepoetin alfa to MIRCERA MIRCERA can be administered once every 2 weeks or once monthly to patients whose hemoglobin has been stabilized by treatment with an ESA. alfa (Aranesp; Amgen) to be therapeutic equivalent products The gasping syndrome is characterized by central nervous system depression, metabolic acidosis, and gasping respirations. For recommended dose equivalency, PDF Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents: Darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp), Epoetin It is also approved for the reduction of allogeneic red blood cell transfusions in patients undergoing elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery. Learn how to combine multiple dosing options for precise titration and individualize anemia management. Beneficial dose conversion after switching from higher doses of shorter-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agents to C.E.R.A in CKD patients in clinical practice: MINERVA Study. Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited. Switching Between Epoetins: A Practice in Support of Biosimilar Use endobj Supplied Injection, solution [preservative free]: 10 mg/mL (0.6 mL) [prefilled syringe]. 7. therapy. If patient has not responded satisfactorily to a 300 unit/kg dose 3 times/week, a response to higher doses is unlikely. Please review the latest applicable package insert for additional information and possible updates. Both drugs are costly: January 2003 prices posted by Medicare put reimbursement rates at $12.69 per 1000 units of Procrit (translating to about $534.32 for the Average Wholesale Price [AWP] for a once-a-week dose of 40,000 units) and $23.69 per 5 micrograms of Aranesp (about $994.98 for the AWP for a 3 mcg/kg dose every other week). If a patient or caregiver experiences difficulty measuring the required dose, especially if it is other than the entire contents of the Aranesp prefilled syringe, use of the Aranesp vial may be considered. Conversion of IV to SC EPO: a. Available for Android and iOS devices. Epub 2009 Aug 4. gs+"!y]|"bA=!ZuP xrYB5 EXrL5I'DG(^=9QC4L" VtO!.P/Ndt:U!Vl-6X4&?jv_V'rX:!p[? The recommended RETACRIT regimens are: 300 Units/kg per day subcutaneously for 15 days total: administered daily for 10 days before surgery, on the day of surgery, and for 4 days after surgery. The protocol for anaemia management included a target haemoglobin (Hb) concentration of 120-130 g/L and a ferritin of 300-600 microg/L. When administered weekly and intravenously, darbepoetin alfa maintains Hb at a more favourable conversion rate than is currently recommended. If the hemoglobin level approaches or exceeds 11 g/dL, reduce or interrupt the dose of Aranesp. The most frequent dosing regimens were 40,000 units weekly 2007 Aug;23(8):1931-7. doi: 10.1185/030079907X210705. 4 0 obj Note: In patients receiving epoetin alfa 2-3 times per week, darbepoetin alfa is administered once weekly.In patients who are receiving epoetin alfa once weekly, darbepoetin should be administered once every 2 weeks. . No significant clinical decisions should be made based on these images from this website without first consulting with a board-certified attending physician. Do Not Copy, Distribute or otherwise Disseminate without express permission. MeSH RETACRIT single-dose vials contain phenylalanine, a component of aspartame. The .gov means its official. Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) | Dosing Considerations 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. Use the lowest OMONTYS dose sufficient to reduce the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. Patients with anemia and chronic kidney disease undergoing maintenance hemodialysis and receiving routine intravenous (IV) Epogen were randomized 1: 1 to switch to IV RetacritTM or continue standard-of-care (Epogen) for 24 weeks, using analogous versions of the FMCNA ESA-dosing algorithm. The implementation date for the interchange program is October 11, 2004. Retacrit has not been shown to be interchangeable with U.S.-licensed Epogen/Procrit. 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. <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<6A376E50FA41294D8BDE0DC442E05AF8>]/Index[1022 100]/Info 1021 0 R/Length 147/Prev 333934/Root 1023 0 R/Size 1122/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream After 8 weeks of therapy, if there is no response as measured by hemoglobin levels or if RBC transfusions are still required, discontinue RETACRIT. _ p8"&JjyfEMeRid=D fGKD 8qwR^{c`KNp% Kvu%Q rH]Y "[/|O"1S|FVA@-G%#&DOks]Qf/YQj*$K) Epogen and Procrit are specialty medications used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD) or chemotherapy, but they don't come cheap. maintain desired hemoglobin (Hgb) levels. 2 0 obj Do not re-enter vial. RETACRIT is contraindicated in patients with: RETACRIT from multiple-dose vials contains benzyl alcohol and is contraindicated in: INCREASED MORTALITY, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE, AND THROMBOEMBOLISM, INCREASED MORTALITY AND/OR INCREASED RISK OF TUMOR PROGRESSION OR RECURRENCE IN PATIENTS WITH CANCER, LACK OR LOSS OF HEMOGLOBIN RESPONSE TO RETACRIT, RISK OF SERIOUS ADVERSE REACTIONS DUE TO BENZYL ALCOHOL PRESERVATIVE, ANEMIA IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE, ANEMIA DUE TO CHEMOTHERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH CANCER, ANEMIA DUE TO ZIDOVUDINE IN PATIENTS WITH HIV INFECTION, Recommended dosing for adults and children with chronic kidney disease (CKD), The recommended starting dose for adult patients is 50 to 100 Units/kg 3 times weekly intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously (SC). G-CSF is not species specific and has been shown to have minimal direct in vivo or in vitro effects on the production of hematopoietic cell types other than the neutrophil lineage. Contributed by. 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. 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 (14)]. Refer to Table 1. In the near future, the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Epoetin timeline: 2/2020: Switched from Procrit to Retacrit preferred. The Discontinue Aranesp if responsiveness does not improve. RETACRIT Dosage and Administration (epoetin alfa-epbx) In the event that ARDS occurs, Neulasta should be discontinued and/or withheld until resolution of ARDS and patients should receive appropriate medical management for this condition. Previous dosage of epoetin alfa: 90,000 units/week, then darbepoetin alfa dosage: 200 mcg/week. most common dosing regimens are 40,000 units weekly for epoetin DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Initial treatment: 0.04 mg/kg body weight administered once monthly. Stop dose if hemoglobin exceeds 13 g/dl and resume treatment at a 25% dose reduction when hemoglobin drops to 12 g/dl. Epub 2014 Aug 14. and approved an automatic therapeutic interchange to darbepoetin This site complies with the HONcode standard for trust- worthy health information: verify here. PenTAG FINAL PROTOCOL 2 darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp [Amgen]). This has been reported predominantly in patients with CKD receiving ESAs by subcutaneous administration. Non-hematopoietic pathologic changes observed in animals include fibrosis of tendons and joint capsules, periosteal thickening, papilledema, and embryotoxicity. Switching from Epoetin Alfa (Epogen) to Epoetin Alfa-Epbx - PubMed 4 x previous weekly epoetin alfa dose (Units)/125. k22atr !h~h[={;X)Sr;:2{+S&x~tlgth6_'N'F?%2 @obXCC Neulasta should be permanently discontinued in patients with serious allergic reactions. In some cases, symptoms recurred with rechallenge, suggesting a causal relationship. as well). Methods: All in-centre haemodialysis patients (n = 60) were converted from an existing subcutaneous epoetin alfa regimen to weekly intravenous darbepoetin alfa. The majority of patients with CKD will require supplemental iron during the course of ESA therapy. objective of the DUE was to trend usage patterns in the outpatient The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. 1.4 Patients Undergoing Autologous Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cell Collection and Therapy ZARXIO is indicated for the mobilization of autologous hematopoietic progenitor cells into the peripheral blood for collection by leukapheresis [see Clinical Studies (14.4)]. zi){#_YD2}y5g{b_qh3d{~"/7{k~} }^?>~4LF=,q\Qnw/UUuQTN /Bu*"=rl w.WO/I:$woS'/rmG M/d=w+6E/pB)OOq5A:P+o{ K2`._iD6vGfch>PN/VTH3|GH-a/D}-J"{6Mj9K`a2'> Iltm< Referrals to independent nonprofitpatient assistance programs. PMC Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. Myelosuppressive therapy: 5 mcg/kg/day - doses may be increased by 5 mcg/kg according to the duration and severity of the neutropenia. Previous dosage of epoetin alfa: 11,000-17,999 units/week,then darbepoetin alfa dosage: 40 mcg/week. hbbd```b``IA$/f?W$_d6X&LE@${`lktfu` : 6C(XlB3XDD&iMt#K/X=(IW? l Overall, in both groups iron studies were not conducted routinely. Aranesp | European Medicines Agency Committee will be exploring other patient populations for this doses. Administer supplemental iron therapy when serum ferritin is less than 100 mcg/L or when serum transferrin saturation is less than 20%. FDA approves first epoetin alfa biosimilar for the treatment of anemia Aranesp Dosing and Conversion Brochure | Amgen Anemia Hub Reduce or withhold RETACRIT if blood pressure becomes difficult to control. Leukocytosis (white blood cell counts 100,000/mm3 ) has been observed in <1% of patients receiving pegfilgrastim. Only physicians qualified by specialized training or experience in the treatment of patients with sickle cell disease should prescribe Neulasta for such patients, and only after careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits. alfa and 200 mcg every 2 weeks for darbepoetin alfa. A biosimilar is a biological product that is approved based on data showing that it is highly similar to a biological product already approved by the FDA (reference product) and has no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety, purity and potency (i.e., safety and effectiveness) from the reference product, in addition to meeting other criteria specified by law. Do not increase the dose more frequently than once every 4 weeks. What is the difference between Retacrit and Procrit? - Drugs.com The effect of pentoxifylline on oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease patients with erythropoiesis-stimulating agent hyporesponsiveness: Sub-study of the HERO trial. Dosing patterns, drug costs, and hematologic outcome in anemic patients with chronic kidney disease switching from darbepoetin alfa to epoetin alfa. Background: of the molecule is a more important determinant of potency and receptor 1.5 Patients with Severe Chronic Neutropenia ZARXIO is indicated for chronic administration to reduce the incidence and duration of sequelae of neutropenia (e.g. fever infections oropharyngeal ulcers) in symptomatic patients with congenital neutropenia cyclic neutropenia or idiopathic neutropenia, HOW SUPPLIED: Injection: 300 mcg/0.5 mL in a single-use prefilled syringe with BD UltraSafe Passive Needle Guard Injection: 480 mcg/0.8 mL in a single-use prefilled syringe with BD UltraSafe Passive Needle Guard. Hypertension: Control hypertension prior to initiating and during treatment with OMONTYS. No difference in conversion dosage could be determined between patients who were epoetin sensitive (<200 units/kg per week) or resistant (>200 units/kg per week, P = NS). Results: 500 mcg every 3 weeks subcutaneously until completion of a chemotherapy course. This site is intended only for U.S. healthcare professionals. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Retacrit (epoetin alfa-epbx) as a biosimilar to Epogen/Procrit (epoetin alfa) for the treatment of anemia caused by chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy, or use of zidovudine in patients with HIV infection. Questions regarding Healthcare professionals should report all serious adverse events suspected to be associated with the use of any medicine and device to FDAs MedWatch Reporting System or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088. Similar to endogenous overall. alfa-treated patients, respectively. 114 (n=92 CCF) patients were included in the DUE, 59 epoetin alfa An official website of the United States government. this interchange program should be directed to the CCF Department Patient treatments were converted from subcutaneous epoetin alfa to weekly, intravenous darbepoetin alfa at month 0, at a conversion dose of 200 units epoetin alfa to 1 microg darbepoetin. The probability of switching between different epoetins was associated with the duration of treatment: about 15 % of users switched within 12 months and almost 25 % within 2 years of observation. 33 Dose. PRCA has also been reported in patients receiving ESAs for anemia related to hepatitis C treatment (an indication for which RETACRIT is not approved). Severe sickle cell crises, in some cases resulting in death, have also been associated with Filgrastim, the parent compound of pegfilgrastim. Monitor platelets and hematocrit regularly. Sickle Cell Disease Severe sickle cell crises have been associated with the use of Neulasta in patients with sickle cell disease. Drug class: recombinant human erythropoietins, Aranesp (Darbepoetin Alfa Prefilled Syringes), Anemia Associated with Chronic Renal Failure, If hemoglobin exceeds a level needed to avoid RBC transfusion, If hemoglobin increases by less than 1 g/dL. Resources for Information | Approved Drugs, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, Resources for Information | Approved Drugs, Oncology (Cancer) / Hematologic Malignancies Approval Notifications, Verified Clinical Benefit | Cancer Accelerated Approvals, Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations (Orange Book) Short Description, FDA approves Retacrit as a biosimilar to Epogen/Procrit, Drug Information Soundcast in Clinical Oncology. administered less frequently. Billing and Coding: Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (ESAs) When therapy with RETACRIT is needed in these patient populations, use single-dose vials; do not admix with bacteriostatic saline containing benzyl alcohol, In controlled clinical trials of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) comparing higher hemoglobin targets (13 - 14 g/dL) to lower targets (9 - 11.3 g/dL), epoetin alfa increased the risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, thrombosis of hemodialysis vascular access, and other thromboembolic events in the higher target groups, 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. 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). Mean baseline Hgb levels These are recommended doses. An official website of the United States government, : eCollection 2017. Both Hb and ferritin concentrations remained within the target range, but darbepoetin dosages fell from 50.8 to 42.3 microg/week by month 3 (P = 0.02). At the June 2004 meeting, the CCF Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee Severe chronic neutropenia: Congenital: 6 mcg/kg twice daily Idiopathic/cyclic: 5 mcg/kg/day, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=9222, Supplied: Injection, solution [preservative free]: 300 mcg/mL (1 mL, 1.6 mL) [vial; contains sodium 0.035 mg/mL and sorbitol], Injection, solution [preservative free]: 600 mcg/mL (0.5 mL, 0.8 mL) [prefilled Singleject syringe; contains sodium 0.035 mg/mL and sorbitol], Drug UPDATES: ZARXIO - filgrastim-sndz injection [Drug information / PDF] Click link for the latest monographDosing: Click (+) next to Dosage and Administration section (drug info link). Note: The manufacturer states that, until efficacy/toxicity parameters are established, the use of oprelvekin in pediatric patients (particularly those <12 years of age) should be restricted to use in controlled clinical trials. Discard unused portion of Aranesp in vials or prefilled syringes. Recommended regimens for patients undergoing elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery, 300 Units/kg per day SC for 15 days total: administered daily for 10 days before surgery, on the day of surgery, and for 4 days after surgery, 600 Units/kg SC in 4 doses, administered 21, 14, and 7 days before surgery and on the day of surgery. Internal Data: A retrospective drug use evaluation (DUE) was conducted RETACRIT (epoetin alfa-epbx) is biosimilar* to EPOGEN/PROCRIT (epoetin alfa) WARNING: ESAs INCREASE THE RISK OF DEATH, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE . epoetin theta (Eporatio [Teva UK]), epoetin zeta (Retacrit [Hospira UK]), and . In order to be included in the DUE, Dosing & Product Information RETACRIT (epoetin alfa-epbx) has an identical dosing and administration schedule to Epogen/Procrit (epoetin alfa) 1. %%EOF adjustments may be required. Zhang L, Coombes J, Pascoe EM, Badve SV, Dalziel K, Cass A, Clarke P, Ferrari P, McDonald SP, Morrish AT, Pedagogos E, Perkovic V, Reidlinger D, Scaria A, Walker R, Vergara LA, Hawley CM, Johnson DW, On Behalf Of The Hero Study Collaborative Group. Dose adjustment: If response is not satisfactory after a sufficient period of evaluation (8 weeks of 3 times/week and 4 weeks of once weekly therapy), the dose may be increased every 4 weeks (or longer) up to 300 units/kg 3 times/week, or when dosed weekly, increased all at once to 60,000 units weekly. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Previous dosage of epoetin alfa: 2500-4999 units/week, then darbepoetin alfa dosage: 12.5 mcg/week. There are independent nonprofit patient assistance programs that may be able to help patients afford the co-pay costs for their prescribed medicine. or 100 mcg SC once weekly. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. alfa may be administered as frequently as once every 3 or 4 weeks. The dose should be titrated to meet and every-other-week) for darbepoetin alfa-treated patients. Darbepoetin alfa effectively maintains haemoglobin concentrations at extended dose intervals relative to intravenous or subcutaneous recombinant human erythropoietin in dialysis patients. 600 Units/kg subcutaneously in 4 doses administered 21, 14, and 7 days before surgery and on the day of surgery. Previous dosage of epoetin alfa: 18,000-33,999 units/week,then darbepoetin alfa dosage: 60 mcg/week. response rates ranging from ~60% to 85%. 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. interchange, such as patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Administration Subcutaneously in either the abdomen, thigh, or hip (or upper arm if not self-injected). Discontinue RETACRIT therapy immediately if a severe cutaneous reaction, such as SJS/TEN, is suspected, RETACRIT from multiple-dose vials contains benzyl alcohol and is contraindicated for use in neonates, infants, pregnant women, and lactating women. in patients with chronic anemia of cancer as well as CIA document When initiating or adjusting therapy, monitor hemoglobin levels at least weekly until stable, then monitor at least monthly. If typical causes of lack or loss of hemoglobin response are excluded, evaluate for PRCA. 150 units/kg SC 3 times/week or 40,000 units once weekly. of darbepoetin administered SC has been shown in cancer patients Previous dosage of epoetin alfa: 34,000-89,999 units/week,then darbepoetin alfa dosage: 100 mcg/week. The needle cover of the prefilled syringe contains dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex), which may cause allergic reactions. Please enable it to take advantage of the complete set of features! Retacrit (epoetin alfa-epbx) Biosimilar Formulary Preferred Use Retacrit All orders for epoetin alfa-epbx (RETACRIT) will be converted to darbepoetin alfa using equivalent therapeutic interchange dosing listed in the table below. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. EPOETIN ALFA-EPBX, BIOSIMILAR, (RETACRIT) (FOR NON-ESRD USE), 1000 . group. Immediately and permanently discontinue RETACRIT and administer appropriate therapy if a serious allergic or anaphylactic reaction occurs, Blistering and skin exfoliation reactions, including erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), have been reported in patients treated with ESAs (including epoetin alfa) in the postmarketing setting.