Increase yield of autologous blood
Adult: As epoetin alfa or zeta: 600 U/kg over 2 minutes twice wkly for 3 wk before surgery; in conjunction with iron, folate and B12 supplementation.
Parenteral
Anaemia of chronic renal failure
Adult: As epoetin alfa: Initially, 50 U/kg SC/IV 3 times wkly for predialysis and haemodialysis patients and 50 U/kg twice wkly for peritoneal dialysis patients, may increase according to response in steps of 25 U/kg 3 times wkly at 4 wkly intervals.
Child: As epoetin alfa: Initially, 50 U/kg 3 times wkly. May increase dose at 4 wkly intervals in increments of 25 U/kg 3 times wkly until a target haemoglobin concentration of 9.5-11 g/100 mL is reached. Usual maintenance dose: <10 kg: 225-450 U/kg/wk; 10-30 kg: 180-450 U/kg/wk and >30 kg: 90-300 U/kg/wk.
Child: As epoetin alfa: Initially, 50 U/kg 3 times wkly. May increase dose at 4 wkly intervals in increments of 25 U/kg 3 times wkly until a target haemoglobin concentration of 9.5-11 g/100 mL is reached. Usual maintenance dose: <10 kg: 225-450 U/kg/wk; 10-30 kg: 180-450 U/kg/wk and >30 kg: 90-300 U/kg/wk.
Parenteral
Anaemia in zidovudine-treated HIV-infected patients
Adult: As epoetin alfa: Initially, 100 U/kg SC/IV thrice wkly for 8 wk; increase every 4-8 wk by 50-100 U/kg according to response. Max: 300 U/kg thrice wkly.
Subcutaneous
Anaemia related to non-myeloid malignant disease chemotherapy
Adult: As epoetin alfa or zeta: Initially, 150 U/kg 3 times wkly. Dose may be increased at 4-8 wk intervals to 300 U/kg 3 times wkly. Stop treatment if response is still inadequate after 4 wk of treatment using this higher dose.