ERYTHROPOIETIN

Recormon, Eprex, Epoetin

 Reviewed by Dr Jutta van den Boom, Dr Simon Rowley, Brenda Hughes, and Robyn Wilkinson (July 2003)

Indications, contraindications, and special considerations revised by Carl Kuschel
November 2006
Dose and Pharmacology Newborn Drug Protocol Index Newborn Services Home Page

Management of Erythropoietin Administration

Description

Prescription

Administration

  1. Subcutaneous injection routinely given on Mondays and Fridays
  2. Take dose from the pre-prepared syringe and place in a 1ml syringe
  3. Select site (lateral aspect of upper arm or thigh)
  4. Inject with a 26 gauge needle at a 10 degree angle, just under skin.
  5. Rotate sites with each injection

Nursing Considerations

  1. Assess for signs of adverse effects
  2. Monitor blood pressure daily
  3. Monitor haematology weekly
  4. Observe for localised cellulitis
  5. Document injection site on drug chart and rotate injection sites

Storage

  1. Store at 2-8°C, do not freeze or shake and protect from light

References

1 Zipursky A. Erythropoietin Therapy for Premature Infants: Cost without benefit? Pediatr Res, 2000; 48:136
2 Eprex (datasheet online). Janssen-Cilag (updated December 2002) available from: URL: http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/e/eprexinj.htm
3 Recormon (datasheet online). Roche.  www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/r/Recormoninj.htm
4 Ohls R, et al. Effects of Early Erythropoietin Therapy on the Transfusion Requirements of Preterm Infants Below 1250 Grams Birth Weight: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial. Pediatrics, 2001; 108: 934-942
5 Maier R et al. Early treatment with erythropoietin β ameliorates anemia and reduces transfusion requirements in infants with birth weights below 1000g. J Pediatr, 2002; 141: 8-15
6 Northern Neonatal Network. Neonatal Formulary 3rd edition, 2000.  BMJ Publishing.  p101
7 Meyer M et al. Recombinant erythropoietin and blood transfusion in selected preterm infants. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed, 2003; 88: F41-F45.
8 Ohlsson A, Aher SM. Early erythropoietin for preventing red blood cell transfusion in preterm and/or low birth weight infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD004863. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004863.pub2
9 Aher SM, Ohlsson A. Early versus late erythropoietin for preventing red blood cell transfusion in preterm and/or low birth weight infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD004865. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004865.pub2
10 Aher S, Ohlsson A. Late erythropoietin for preventing red blood cell transfusion in preterm and/or low birth weight infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD004868. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004868.pub2