Association of kidney function with anemia: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (19881994) Arch Intern Med. Aranesp and EPOGEN have not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being. 6). The data from this study were analyzed using SAS Statistical Software v9.2 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). 1985;28:15. In controlled clinical trials of patients with CKD comparing higher hemoglobin targets (13 to 14 g/dL) to lower targets (9 to 11.3 g/dL), ESAs increased the risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, thrombosis of hemodialysis vascular access, and other thromboembolic events in the higher target groups. Macdougall IC. The geometric mean DCR of PEG-Epo to DA was 1.17, rising to 1.21 when the effect of RBC transfusions was taken into account. The introduction of exogenous erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to clinical practice has transformed the care of patients with CKD, by ameliorating anemia, reducing transfusion requirements, and improving quality of life [4]. Maintenance treatment of renal anaemia in haemodialysis patients with methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta versus darbepoetin alfa administered monthly: a randomized comparative trial. The baseline (i.e., at time of switch) demographic and clinical characteristics of enrolled patients and those included in and excluded from the DCR analysis are displayed in Table1. Kidney Int. Statistical methods for assessing agreement between two methods of clinical measurement. . Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. 5). Data were collected from 7months before until 7months after switching treatment. Eligible patients had received hemodialysis for 12 months and DA for 7 months. chemotherapy, MDS or MF, continued therapy) Please provide a hemoglobin level (g/dL) for your patient taken within the first 12 weeks of therapy with epoetin and include the date the lab was drawn. This analysis indicated that the concordance decreased with increasing dose. The site is secure. \ab/`IR 4%jI ^w7qQNA Tq Wz.oVfCVBT{h*>\\3u#P@"wW7|pIMB7 The initial conversion factor was 200:1. eCollection 2020 Jun. The pre-transfusion Hb concentrations were similar for transfusions occurring both pre- and post-switch (Fig. Low hemoglobin at hemodialysis initiation: an international study of anemia management and mortality in the early dialysis period. before initiating MIRCERA. Optimizing the use of erythropoietic agentspharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations. Report to the Judicial Council. sharing sensitive information, make sure youre on a federal PDF Limitations of Use Mircera is not indicated and is not recommended for Please know that the sponsors of this site are not responsible for content on the site you are about to enter. <>/Metadata 444 0 R/ViewerPreferences 445 0 R>> Box 1557, 6301, Zug, Switzerland, Amgen (UK) Limited, 240 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, UK, You can also search for this author in Hrl WH. No trial has identified a hemoglobin target level, ESA dose, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks. Intravenous C.E.R.A. 1:1 reference line, BlandAltman analysis of agreement between, BlandAltman analysis of agreement between pre- and post-switch erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dose ( n, Hemoglobin level and weekly equivalent erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dose during the 14-month observation period., Red blood cell transfusions pre- and post-switch, Summary of the last hemoglobin concentrations recorded within 14 days prior to red, MeSH Conversion from Epoetin alfa or Darbepoetin alfa to Mircera in Adult Patients with CKD. Patients included in the analysis were less likely to be diabetic (32% vs. 40%), more likely to be receiving DA at a longer dosing interval (60% vs. 73% at QW; 19% vs. 3% less frequently than Q2W), and received a lower geometric mean weekly dose of DA during the pre-switch EP (24.1 vs. 37.7g). In controlled trials, patients experienced greater risks for death, serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, and stroke when administered erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL. Macdougall IC, Obrador GT, El Nahas M. How important is transfusion avoidance in 2013? Of the 302 patients enrolled, 206 (68%) were included in the DCR analysis. The geometric mean weekly ESA doses were 24.1g DA in the pre-switch EP and 28.6g PEG-Epo in the post-switch EP. Dose by Weight Chart - Resourcehub Epogen Dosage Guide - Drugs.com Epogen, Procrit (epoetin alfa) dosing, indications, interactions An official website of the United States government. NCI CPTC Antibody Characterization Program, Astor BC, Muntner P, Levin A, Eustace JA, Coresh J. Descriptions. The relationship between the DA and PEG-Epo doses during the evaluation periods was explored through linear and quadratic regression. MIRCERA has an approximate molecular weight of 60 kDa. However, the relationship between the pre- and post-switch ESA doses during the two evaluation periods was non-linear. Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) Summary of product characteristics. Amgen Europe B.V., Breda, The Netherlands, 29 August 2013. http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/000332/WC500026149.pdf. EP evaluation period, PEG-Epo methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta. Conversion Dosing Guide: from Epoetin Alfa to Aranesp in Patients with Generic name: Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta 30ug in 0.3mL Karaboyas A, Morgenstern H, Waechter S, Fleischer NL, Vanholder R, Jacobson SH, Sood MM, Schaubel DE, Inaba M, Pisoni RL, Robinson BM. 1. 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS. 2010;25:400917. Kidney Med. m+KqXAXOkS@,1C0VgzXzeWU},4 Immediately and permanently discontinue Aranesp or EPOGEN if a serious allergic MIRCERA is a registered trademark of F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. All Vifor Pharma Groups intellectual rights, including copyright, are, The information provided in this site is intended only for healthcare. 2001;38:803812. Support for this assistance was funded by Amgen. 3. Visit. The odds ratio for receiving a transfusion was twice as high in patients switched at a dose ratio less than 1 when compared to those switched at 1:1 or higher. Geometric mean weekly PEG-Epo dose at Month 1 post-switch was 26.7g (95% CI 24.4, 29.3), rising to 29g (95% CI 26.2, 32.2) by Month 7 post-switch. MIRCERA is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) indicated for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in: MIRCERA is not indicated and is not recommended for use: MIRCERA has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being. Conversion from epoetin beta to darbepoetin: what is the equivalent Accessibility 1985;28:15. Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa), Dynepo (epoetin delta), Mircera (methyoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta), Hematide, MRK-2578, INS-22, Retacrit (epoetin zeta), Neorecormon (epoetin beta), Silapo (epoetin zeta), Binocrit . Accessed 18 October 2013. Do not use any prefilled syringes exhibiting particulate matter or a coloration other than colorless to slightly yellowish. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. MIRCERA can be administered once every 2 weeks or once monthly to patients whose hemoglobin has been stabilized by treatment with an ESA. darbepoetin alfa (Aransep) pre-filled syringe, injectable vial epoetin alfa (Epogen; Procrit) injectable methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (Mircera) pre-filled syringe Conditions Medications Dialysis patients can . An observational cohort study of extended dosing (once every 2 weeks or once monthly) regimens with darbepoetin alfa in patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis: the EXTEND study. Administer MIRCERA intravenously once every 4 More ways to get app. Inflammation and Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent Response in Hemodialysis Patients: A Self-matched Longitudinal Study of Anemia Management in the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS). This compares with a 35% decline in Epogen sales during the same period to $1.13bn, as competition from Mircera and biosimilars, like by Sandoz' Binocrit, reach the markets. When initiating or adjusting therapy, monitor hemoglobin levels at least weekly until stable, then monitor at least monthly. Epub 2011 Dec 2. There is no evidence that Mircera alters the metabolism of other medicinal products. DCR was calculated for patients with Hb and ESA data available in both evaluation periods (EP; Months 1 and 2 were defined as the pre-switch EP, and Months 6 and 7 as the post-switch EP). Red blood cell transfusions pre- and post-switch were quantified. The distribution of transfusions (Fig. For Pediatric Patients with CKD on hemodialysis: Conversion from Epoetin alfa or Darbepoetin alfa to Mircera in Pediatric Patients with CKD Treated with Hemodialysis. The conversion from EpoB to CERA (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta; Mircera; Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland) once monthly was already decided by the health care payer policy, who is the provider of erythropoietin stimulating agents for all patients, and was planned after a period of 6 months. Physicians and patients should weigh the possible benefits of decreasing transfusions against the increased risks of death and other serious cardiovascular adverse events. The long-acting r-HuEPO methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (Mircera) has been associated with a risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) following a. Following initiation of therapy and after each dose adjustment, monitor hemoglobin weekly until the hemoglobin level is stable and sufficient to minimize the need for RBC transfusion. <>/Font<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> Data quality and completeness were aided by automatic edit checks built into the database software. Cases of PRCA and of severe anemia, with or without other cytopenias that arise following the development of neutralizing antibodies to erythropoietin have been reported in patients treated with Aranesp or EPOGEN. Dosage form: injection, solution Concerning RBC transfusions, 36 patients received a transfusion; 7 were transfused in the pre-switch period only, 4 received a transfusion both pre- and post-switch, and 25 had a transfusion in the post-switch period only. The recommended RETACRIT regimens are: 300 Units/kg per day subcutaneously for 15 days total: administered daily for 10 days before surgery, on the day of surgery, and for 4 days after surgery. The AFFIRM study was designed as a retrospective, longitudinal cohort analysis to estimate the DCR in a population of hemodialysis patients achieving comparable Hb after switching from IV DA to IV PEG-Epo in a real-world setting. Nephrol Dial Transplant. No difference in conversion dosage could be determined between patients who were epoetin sensitive (<200 units/kg per week) or resistant (>200 units/kg per week, P = NS). WARNING: ESAs INCREASE THE RISK OF DEATH, MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, STROKE, VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM, THROMBOSIS OF VASCULAR ACCESS and TUMOR PROGRESSION OR RECURRENCE CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: Please see full Prescribing Information including Boxed WARNING, and Medication Guide(English, Espaol) for MIRCERA (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta) Injection, for Intravenous or Subcutaneous Use. Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol-Epoetin Beta (Injection Route) Usui T, Zhao J, Fuller DS, Hanafusa N, Hasegawa T, Fujino H, Nomura T, Zee J, Young E, Robinson BM, Nangaku M. Nephrology (Carlton). endobj Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta - Wikipedia Eligible patients had received hemodialysis for 12months and DA for 7months. Resistance to Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents among Patients on Hemodialysis Is Typically Transient. Treatment for Anaemia [STRIATA] [8] and comPArator sTudy of C.E.R.A. Mircera at Best Price in India - IndiaMART Epoetin alfa (Procrit, Epogen) acts like the hormone we have in our body, whereas Mircera . Patients stable on intravenous (iv) epoetin alfa will be randomized either to receive standard of care therapy (epoetin alfa (iv) 3 times weekly), or to receive Mircera 120-360 micrograms (iv), monthly. Mircera | European Medicines Agency The enrolling dialysis centers were situated in France, Germany, Spain and the UK, and each was expected to enroll a minimum of 20 patients into the study. PDF Aranesp, Epogen, Mircera, Procrit, Retacrit - Cigna 6); the mean (SD) Hb within 14days prior to transfusion in these periods was 8.8 (1.41) and 8.3 (1.26), respectively. This medicine is not for treating anemia caused by cancer chemotherapy. ESA erythropoiesis-stimulating agent, Hb hemoglobin. Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta injection is used to treat anemia in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who may or may not be on dialysis or in children with CKD who are on dialysis. If typical causes of lack or loss of hemoglobin response are excluded, evaluate for PRCA. There were 16 transfusion events in the pre-switch period and 48 post-switch, with a total of 34 units transfused pre-switch and 95 units in the post-switch period (Fig. Hb hemoglobin. For administration using the prefilled syringe, the plunger must be fully depressed during injection in order for the needle guard to activate. See this image and copyright information in PMC. PEG-Epo was approved in 2009 for administration Q2W or once a month (QM) to patients on dialysis [5, 8]. | DOWNLOAD SIZE: AFFIRM may therefore help to guide expectations around potential differences in ESA dose requirements when switching hemodialysis patients from DA to PEG-Epo, although the reported mean maintenance DCR is not intended to predict the dose conversion ratio at the individual patient level. 3 0 obj This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and the source are credited. endobj DCR geometric mean maintenance dose conversion ratio, EP evaluation period, ESA erythropoiesis-stimulating agent, Hb hemoglobin, PEG-Epo methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta. aMutually exclusive categories; patients are censored in the following order: first at death post-switch, then at loss to follow-up post-switch, then at receipt of an ESA other than PEG-Epo, and finally lack of an Hb measurement in either or both EPs. MIRCERA (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta) is the first erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) approved by FDA for once-monthly administration. MIRCERA is contraindicated in patients with: Please seefull Prescribing Information including Boxed WARNING, and Medication Guide(English, Espaol)for MIRCERA (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta) Injection, for Intravenous or Subcutaneous Use. Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylactic reactions, angioedema, bronchospasm, skin rash, and urticaria may occur with Aranesp or EPOGEN. Secondly, the DCR was calculated on a subset of patients which constituted approximately two-thirds of the total enrolled. Physicians and patients should weigh the possible benefits of decreasing transfusions against the increased risks of death and other serious cardiovascular adverse events [see Boxed Warning and Clinical Studies (14)]. Among patients switched from DA to PEG-Epo, the mean monthly PEG-Epo dose was increased from 159g at the switch to 263g at Week 26 and 273g at Month 1112 [11]. Mircera would also have competed with Aranesp and with Procrit . Action Stimulates erythropoesis (production of red blood cells). Administer Mircera either intravenously or subcutaneously in adult patients and only intravenously in pediatric patients. Dose Conversion Ratio in Hemodialysis Patients Switched from Darbepoetin Alfa to PEG-Epoetin Beta: AFFIRM Study. Recombinant human erythropoietins: very rare risk of severe cutaneous -, Macdougall IC. Bland JM, Altman DG. Karaboyas A, Morgenstern H, Fleischer NL, Vanholder RC, Dhalwani NN, Schaeffner E, Schaubel DE, Akizawa T, James G, Sinsakul MV, Pisoni RL, Robinson BM. This study and the article processing charges were funded by Amgen Europe GmbH, Zug, Switzerland. If you are a healthcare professional outside of the US, please, visit www.mircera.global, The rate of hemoglobin decline indicates the likelihood of requiring a RBC transfusion, and, Reducing the risk of alloimmunization and/or other RBC transfusion-related risks is a goal, For adverse event reports, please contact us at, You may also report negative side effects of prescription drugs to, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dose conversion ratio in hemodialysis patients switched from The mean (95% CI) monthly Hb immediately prior to switch, in Month 1 post-switch, and in Month 7 post-switch was 11.5g/dL (11.3, 11.7), 11.7g/dL (11.5, 11.9), and 11.4g/dL (11.3, 11.6), respectively. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Aranesp and EPOGEN increase the risk of seizures in patients with CKD. Anemia of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Dosing patterns, drug costs, and hematologic outcome in anemic patients with chronic kidney disease switching from darbepoetin alfa to epoetin alfa. Mircera (methoxy polyethylene glycol / epoetin beta) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more Drugs & Diseases methoxy polyethylene glycol / epoetin beta (Rx) Brand and. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (epoetin alfa, beta, theta and zeta The majority of patients with CKD will require supplemental iron during the course of ESA therapy. Am J Nephrol. Anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD) becomes increasingly prevalent and severe as kidney function declines [1], with over 90% of patients who require renal replacement therapy becoming anemic [2]. The MHRA is aware of very rare cases of severe cutaneous adverse reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, in patients treated with erythropoietins; some cases were fatal. ou toutes les 2 semaines (ou par mois en prdialyse) la dose requise Avant 1 an : non indiqu 11 ans : comme chez l'adulte MIRCERA (potine bta - MPG [mthoxy-polythylne glycol]) 1 injection mensuelle la dose requise Non indiqu Do not use Mircera after the expiration date. St. Gallen, Switzerland: Vifor (International) Inc.; June 2018. Anemia Associated with Chronic Renal Failure, Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta 30ug in 0.3mL, Drug class: recombinant human erythropoietins. species. [citation needed] Reasons for low Hb, e.g., acute intercurrent events such as bleeding, were not reported. PubMed Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that begins after treatment with Mircera or other erythropoietin protein drugs. BlandAltman analysis of agreement between pre- and post-switch erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dose (. All groups were assessed at the end of the study for safety and efficacy parameters. For patients who do not respond adequately over a 12-week escalation period, increasing the MIRCERA, Evaluate other causes of anemia. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. A rate of hemoglobin rise of > 1 g/dL over 2 weeks may contribute to these 2 0 obj 4 x previous weekly epoetin alfa dose (Units)/125, e.g., 4 x 1500 Units of epoetin alfa per week/125 = 48 mcg of Mircera once every 4 weeks, 4 x previous weekly darbepoetin alfa dose (mcg)/0.55, e.g., 4 x 20 mcg of darbepoetin alfa per week/0.55 = 145.5 mcg of Mircera once every 4 weeks. These adverse reactions included myocardial infarction and stroke. PubMedGoogle Scholar. Mircera with 1-step decrease as soon as Hgb is < 11.8 g/dL and last dose was administered 2 weeks ago or more. PDF Mircera, INN: methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta Mircera works like the human protein called erythropoietin to help your body make more RBCs. MIRCERA is a registered trademark of F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. All Vifor Pharma Groups intellectual rights, including copyright, are reserved by the Vifor Pharma Group. MIRCERA Interactions: May require increased anticoagulation (heparin) during hemodialysis. Kazmi WH, Kausz AT, Khan S, et al. (PDF) Conversion from epoetin beta to darbepoetin: What is the Mircera solution for injection in pre-filled syringe - Summary of Epub 2022 Apr 22. 2012;59:444451. 2002;162:14018. aranesp to retacrit conversiontuto amigurumi grenouille au crochet. Mircera: Basics, Side Effects & Reviews - GoodRx Horowitz J, Agarwal A, Huang F, Gitlin M, Gandra SR, Cangialose CB. ribosome A ribonuclear protein complex that binds to mRNA nucleotide A basic . Injection: 2,000 Units/mL, 3,000 Units/mL, 4,000 Units/mL, 10,000 Units/mL, and 40,000 Units/mL of RETACRIT as a clear and colorless liquid in single-dose vials. The PATRONUS study, in which stable hemodialysis patients receiving IV DA were randomized either to QM PEG-Epo or to Q2W DA for 26weeks [11], described an increase in post-switch dose requirement. Conclusion: Tel: +1-650-344-3898 | Fax: +1-888-256-8883 | Email: info@palace-travel.com | | | LOG IN 10PAGE BROCHURE Further exploration of the relationship between DA and PEG-Epo doses using the BlandAltman method [10], which circumvents the limitations of the regression method in this type of investigation, indicated that the variability in the dose differences increased as doses increased, while the level of concordance decreased with increasing ESA dose. These findings were observed in studies of patients with advanced head and neck cancer receiving radiation therapy, in patients receiving chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer or lymphoid malignancy, and in patients with non-small cell lung cancer or various malignancies who were not receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that the meanSD terminal half-life of DA is 217.5h when administered intravenously (IV) [7]. MIRCERA Dosage & Rx Info | Uses, Side Effects - MPR EXTON, Pa., July 31, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Plagued by regulatory delays, the FDA finally granted approval for Retacrit in May 2018, making it the first biosimilar erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA) to become available in the US market. Analysis of relationship between pre- and post-switch erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dose. Show detailed description Study Design Go to In controlled trials, patients experienced greater risks for death, serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, and stroke when administered erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL. In these hemodialysis patients switched from DA to PEG-Epo the DCR was 1.17 and 1.21 after accounting for the effect of transfusions. Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that begins after treatment with MIRCERA, History of serious or severe allergic reactions to MIRCERA. Conversion from Epoetin alfa or Darbepoetin alfa to Mircera in Adult Patients with CKD Mircera can be administered once every two weeks or once monthly to patients whose hemoglobin has been stabilized by treatment with an ESA (see Table 1). For Adult Patients with CKD not on dialysis: Refer patients who self-administer Mircera to the Instructions for Use [see Patient Counseling Information (17)]. Mircera solution for injection in pre-filled syringe RBC transfusions were reported in terms of number of transfusions and number of units transfused, using descriptive statistics. % Each pre-filled syringe contains 0.3 ml or 0.6 ml. Excluding patients receiving a transfusion within 90days of or during either EP, the DCR was 1.21 (95% CI 1.09, 1.35). When adjusting therapy consider hemoglobin rate of rise, rate of decline, ESA responsiveness and hemoglobin variability. Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) | Dosing Considerations ferrous sulfate, Aranesp, Procrit, Retacrit. Anemia: an early complication of chronic renal insufficiency. Values are means (arithmetic for hemoglobin, geometric for dose) with 95% confidence intervals. Using ESAs to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL increases the risk of serious adverse cardiovascular reactions and has not been shown to provide additional benefit. Dissertation Les Fausses Confidences Stratagme, Les Fromagers De Thirache Horaires, Archange Gabriel Pouvoir, Adeline Franois Mari, Rdiger Un Rapport Sur Un lve En Difficult . 3. Publication management support was provided by Caterina Hatzifoti, PhD, of Amgen Europe GmbH. Hemoglobin level and weekly equivalent erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dose during the 14-month observation period. In the first month after switch, these proportions were 10.2%, 48.5% and 37.4%, respectively. Data were also manually reviewed prior to final analysis. Epoetin beta and methoxy polyethylene glycol may increase tumor growth or decrease survival time in people with certain types of cancer. Do not increase the dose more frequently than once every 4 weeks. Correct or exclude other causes of anemia (e.g., vitamin deficiency, metabolic or chronic inflammatory conditions, bleeding, etc.) Therapeutic effects . Product Information and Dosing | Mircera Regardless of possible differences in their clinical characteristics it should be borne in mind that patients were not selected for inclusion in the DCR analysis on the basis of their fulfilling any clinical, Hb or ESA dose requirements: all patients who had Hb measurements in both EPs, a DA dose in the pre-switch EP and a PEG-Epo dose in the post-switch EP were eligible for inclusion. You may also report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). and transmitted securely. AFFIRM (Aranesp Efficiency Relative to Mircera) was a retrospective, multi-site, observational study designed to estimate the population mean maintenance dose conversion ratio [DCR; dose ratio achieving comparable hemoglobin level (Hb) between two evaluation periods] in European hemodialysis patients whose treatment was switched from DA to PEG-Epo. Amgen Wins Patent Battle Over Roche's Anemia Drug This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors. and darbepOetin alfa in patieNts Undergoing dialySis [PATRONUS] [9]); however, there is a lack of published literature on switching in patients receiving routine clinical care (i.e., outside interventional clinical trials).