Dose of epoetin alfa used in haemodialysis patients when switching from subcutaneous to intravenous administration.

AIM

To determine whether there is a change in the dose of epoetin alfa when switching from subcutaneous (SC) to intravenous (IV) administration in Australian haemodialysis patients.

METHODS

Validated data from 2214 haemodialysis patients at 16 Australian hospitals who switched from SC to IV administration of epoetin alfa from January 2002 to September 2003 were extracted from the Renal Anaemia Management database provided by Janssen-Cilag. Of these patients, 806 had dosing data for at least 1 month before switch through to 6 months post switch (6 month cohort).

RESULTS

In the 6 month cohort, the mean dose was 10 776 IU/week (95% CI: 10 235, 11 317) at switch compared with 12 008 IU/week (95% CI: 11 447, 12 569) 6 months post switch, an increase in a dose of 1232 IU/week (95% CI: 868, 1596). The mean haemoglobin levels at switch were 11.55 g/dL (95% CI: 11.45, 11.66) compared with 11.59 g/dL (95% CI: 11.49, 11.68) 6 months after switch. Centre and dosing frequency of epoetin alfa before switch were determinants of increased dose.

CONCLUSION

Changing from SC to IV administration of epoetin alfa resulted in an 11% increase in mean dose to maintain haemoglobin levels in Australian haemodialysis patients.