administration

Last reviewed 01/2018

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) therapy:

  • should not be initiated in the presence of absolute iron deficiency without also managing the iron deficiency
  • in people with functional iron deficiency*, iron supplements should be given concurrently when initiating ESA therapy
  • when correcting anaemia of CKD, the dose and frequency of ESA should be:
    • determined by the duration of action and route of administration of the ESA
    • adjusted to keep the rate of Hb increase between 1 and 2 g/dl/month
  • ESA therapy and ACE inhibitors (or ARBs)
    • if ACE inhibitors (or ARBs) are used, an increase in ESA therapy should be considered
  • blood pressure rises transiently with administration.

The summary of product characteristics should be consulted before prescribing this drug.

Reference:

  1. NICE (September 2006). Anaemia management in people with chronic kidney disease