epoetin beta-methoxy polyethylene glycol Health Article

How should I use epoetin beta-methoxy polyethylene glycol?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Epoetin beta-methoxy polyethylene glycol is usually given once every 2 weeks or once a month.

This medication is given as an injection under the skin of your upper arm, thigh, or lower stomach. It may also be given through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use your medicine at home.

Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.

Use a different place on your skin each time you give yourself an injection. Your care provider will show you the places on your body where you can safely inject the medication. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

Do not shake the medication vial (bottle). Vigorous shaking can ruin the medicine. Do not draw your dose into a syringe until you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Keep each vial or prefilled syringe in its original container until you are ready to use it. Each vial (bottle) or prefilled syringe of this medicine is for one use only. Throw away any medicine that is leftover after you use a vial or syringe.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

To be sure this medication is helping your body produce red blood cells, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. You may also need to check your blood pressure during treatment. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

It may take up to 6 weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 6 weeks of treatment.

Epoetin beta-methoxy polyethylene glycol is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, dialysis, and other medications. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using epoetin beta-methoxy polyethylene glycol. Store this medication in the refrigerator, protected from light. Do not freeze or shake the medication. If you need to store the medication at room temperature (77 degrees F or cooler), the vials will be good for up to 7 days. Prefilled syringes can be kept at room temperature for up to 30 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss more than one dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, problems with speech or vision, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, or fainting.