IV vs SQ epoetin

Q: The advantage of giving epoetin intravenously (IV) is to have lower dosing.

A) True

B) False

Answer: B

The Subcutaneous (SQ) route is best for treating anemia patients who require epoetin for three reasons.

• SQ dose of epoetin needed to achieve a target Hb is approximately 30 percent lower than that required with IV.
• Patient can self-administer at home. 
• It preserves the integrity of the dialysis access vessels.

#nephrology

#pharmacology

References:

1. Kaufman JS, Reda DJ, Fye CL, et al. Subcutaneous compared with intravenous epoetin in patients receiving hemodialysis. Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study Group on Erythropoietin in Hemodialysis Patients. N Engl J Med 1998; 339:578.

2. Wright DG, Wright EC, Narva AS, et al. Association of Erythropoietin Dose and Route of Administration with Clinical Outcomes for Patients on Hemodialysis in the United States. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2015; 10:1822.