Long-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agent
Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta
Brand names: Mircera
Adult dose
Dose: Initial 0.6 micrograms/kg every 2 weeks SC/IV; maintenance every 4 weeks
Route: SC/IV
Frequency: q2-4w
Clinical pearls
- Anaemia of CKD; target Hb 100–120 g/L per NICE NG8 (avoid >120)
- Less frequent dosing than darbepoetin/epoetin alfa
Contraindications
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Hypersensitivity
Side effects
- Hypertension
- Headache
- Thromboembolism
- Pure red cell aplasia (rare)
- Stroke
- Seizures
Interactions
- Iron status critical — supplement as needed
Monitoring
- Hb (weekly initially, then monthly)
- BP
- Iron status
- Reticulocytes
Reference: BNF; NICE NG8; https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/methoxy-polyethylene-glycol-epoetin-beta/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Calculators