 Receiving methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta
Dear Patient,
Your health care provider has prescribed methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta to treat your chronic renal failure related anemia. This medication is a man-made erythropoietin, which is a hormone made in your body that stimulates your bone marrow to make more red blood cells. The brand name of this medication is Mircera.
How you’ll receive Mircera
This medication must be given by I.V. infusion or by subcutaneous injection, once every two weeks. You may learn to give the subcutaneous injection at home, or you’ll need to see your health care provider to receive this medication.
What to do if you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, schedule an appointment for another dose as soon as possible or administer the next dose as soon as you remember. If you miss two doses, contact your health care provider.
What to do about side effects
Notify your health care provider if you experience side effects to this medication.
Common: headache, diarrhea, discomfort at the injection site.
Less common: blood clots, high blood pressure.
What you must know about other medications
There are no known drug interactions with this medication but you should tell all of your health care providers that you’re taking this medication.
Special directions
- Mark a calendar for the days you’ll need another dose of Mircera.
- You or a significant other can learn to give the medication by subcutaneous injection. Remember to use sterile technique and to dispose of needles and syringes properly.
- Rotate subcutaneous injection sites to avoid injection site problems.
- Store vials in the refrigerator. Prefilled syringes can be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days. Don’t freeze Mircera.
- Don’t shake the Mircera solution. Each syringe and vial are for one time use only, discard of any remaining solution.
Keep in mind
- It isn’t known if this medication could affect an unborn baby. If you wish to become pregnant or become pregnant, consult your health care provider.
- It isn’t known how this medication could affect a breast-fed baby. If you’re breast-feeding, consult your health care provider.
- Your health care provider will perform regular blood tests to check your body’s response to this medication. Your hemoglobin should be 10 to 12 g/dL. Once your level has been maintained, you may be able to go to a once per month dose.
- Report difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden confusion or difficulty speaking, trouble seeing, trouble walking, sudden severe headache, sudden numbness or weakness, or loss of consciousness.
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