EPOBIOCRYNE

INSTRUCTIONS for medical use of the medicinal product EPOLBIORIN (Epobiocrinum)

Composition:

Active substance: Epoetin alfa;

1 ml of solution contains 1000 IU, or 2000 IU, or 4000 IU, or 10,000 IU of recombinant human erythropoietin;

Excipients: human albumin, sodium citrate, sodium chloride, citric acid monohydrate, water for injections.

Pharmaceutical form. Solution for injection.

Main physicochemical properties: clear, colorless solution.

Pharmacotherapeutic group. Antianaemic agents. Erythropoietin.

ATC code B03XA01.

Pharmacological Properties

Pharmacodynamics

Recombinant human erythropoietin is biologically and immunologically identical to natural human erythropoietin, a glycoprotein hormone that acts as a mitotic factor and regulates erythropoiesis—the process of red blood cell formation from hematopoietic stem cell precursors. In healthy individuals, erythropoietin is primarily produced in the kidneys (90%) and to a lesser extent by hepatic Kupffer cells (10%). Its synthesis is regulated by blood oxygen saturation levels. Erythropoietin stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells into mature red blood cells. Its action occurs at early stages of erythropoiesis, affecting erythroid burst-forming units (BFU-E) and colony-forming units (CFU-E), and continues through the stages of proerythroblast, erythroblast, and reticulocyte (cell sensitivity to erythropoietin being proportional to their degree of maturation). Erythropoietin normalizes hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and alleviates symptoms associated with anemia.

The molecular mass of epoetin alfa is approximately 30,600 daltons. The protein component constitutes about 60% of the molecular mass and consists of 165 amino acids. Four carbohydrate chains are attached to the protein via three N-glycosidic bonds and one O-glycosidic bond.

Pharmacokinetics

Intravenous administration. After intravenous administration, the elimination half-life in individuals with normal renal function is approximately 4 hours; in patients with impaired renal function, it is about 5 hours. The elimination half-life in children is approximately 6 hours.

Subcutaneous administration. Plasma concentrations following subcutaneous administration are significantly lower than those achieved with intravenous administration. After subcutaneous injection, drug concentration in blood rises slowly, reaching peak levels within 12–18 hours post-injection. The maximum plasma concentration after subcutaneous administration is lower than that after intravenous administration (approximately 1/20 of the intravenous level).

No cumulative effect has been observed; measured serum erythropoietin concentrations remain at similar levels regardless of whether the measurement is performed 24 hours after the first injection or 24 hours after the last dose.

There are no data available on whether recombinant human erythropoietin can cross the placental barrier or be excreted in breast milk. However, the substance does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier.

The elimination half-life after subcutaneous administration is approximately 24 hours.

The bioavailability of the drug after subcutaneous administration is significantly lower than after intravenous administration and is approximately 20%.

Clinical characteristics.

Indications.

Treatment of symptomatic anemia associated with chronic kidney disease:

• treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease in children and adults on hemodialysis and in adult patients on peritoneal dialysis;
• treatment of severe renal anemia accompanied by clinical symptoms in adult patients with renal insufficiency who have not yet undergone hemodialysis.

Treatment of anemia and reduction of the volume of required blood transfusions in adult patients receiving chemotherapy due to non-myeloid tumor, malignant lymphoma, or multiple myeloma, and in whom transfusion risk is elevated based on overall patient condition (including cardiovascular status, existing anemia prior to initiation of chemotherapy).

Epobiochrin may be used within predeposit programs prior to major surgical interventions in patients with moderate manifestations of anemia (hemoglobin level 10–13 g/dL (6.2–8.1 mmol/L), absence of iron deficiency) to facilitate autologous blood donation and reduce risks associated with the use of allogeneic blood transfusions, when the expected need for transfused blood exceeds the amount obtainable by autologous donation without the use of epoetin alfa.

Epobiochrin is administered to adult patients with mild to moderate anemia (hemoglobin within 10–13 g/dL in the absence of iron deficiency) prior to extensive orthopedic surgery with anticipated moderate blood loss (900–1800 mL of blood) to reduce the need for allogeneic blood transfusions and facilitate recovery of the erythropoietic system.

Contraindications.

Hypersensitivity to any component of the medicinal product.

Development of pure red cell aplasia as a result of treatment with epoetin alfa (see section "Special precautions").

Uncontrolled hypertension.

Contraindications related to autologous blood donation programs in patients receiving epoetin alfa.

Severe coronary, peripheral arterial, carotid, or cerebrovascular diseases, as well as recent myocardial infarction or stroke in patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery who have not participated in an autologous blood donation program. Inability to apply adequate antithrombotic prophylaxis in surgical patients.

Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction.

There are no data indicating that treatment with epoetin alfa affects the metabolism of other medicinal products.

Medicinal products that suppress erythropoiesis may reduce the response to epoetin alfa therapy.

Since cyclosporine binds to erythrocytes, a potential drug interaction exists. When Epobiochrin and cyclosporine are used concomitantly, blood levels of cyclosporine should be monitored and the dose adjusted if necessary.

There is no evidence of interaction between epoetin alfa and G-CSF (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) or GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) regarding hematological differentiation or tumor cell proliferation in biopsy samples in vitro.

In patients with metastatic breast cancer, subcutaneous administration of epoetin alfa at a dose of 40,000 IU/mL concomitantly with trastuzumab at a dose of 6 mg/kg did not affect the pharmacokinetics of trastuzumab.

Special precautions for use.

Arterial pressure should be continuously monitored in all patients during treatment with EPOBIOCIN. The medicinal product should be used with caution in patients with untreated hypertension or poorly controlled hypertension. Treatment with EPOBIOCIN may necessitate initiation or intensification of antihypertensive therapy. If blood pressure cannot be controlled, administration of epoetin alfa should be discontinued.

Cases of hypertensive crisis with encephalopathy and seizures, requiring immediate medical evaluation and intensive therapy, have also been observed in patients with normal or low blood pressure at the beginning of treatment. Particular attention should be paid to sudden onset of migraine-like shooting headache, which may be a warning sign (see section "Adverse reactions").

Epoetin alfa should be used with caution in patients with epilepsy, history of seizures, or medical conditions that are risk factors for seizure development, such as central nervous system (CNS) infections or brain metastases.

Epoetin alfa should be used with caution in patients with chronic hepatic insufficiency. The safety of epoetin alfa in this patient population has not been established.

Patients receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are at increased risk of vascular disorders with thrombotic complications (see section "Adverse reactions"), including venous and arterial thrombosis and embolism (including fatal outcomes), such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, retinal vein thrombosis, and myocardial infarction. Cases of stroke (including ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and transient ischemic attacks) have also been reported.

Before initiating epoetin alfa therapy, the risks of vascular disorders with thrombotic complications should be carefully weighed, especially in patients with existing risk factors, including obesity and history of vascular diseases (e.g., deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and stroke).

Hemoglobin levels should be closely monitored in all patients due to the potential increased risk of thromboembolic complications and mortality associated with using the medicinal product at hemoglobin levels above the target range indicated for use.

During treatment, a moderate, dose-dependent increase in platelet count within normal limits may occur. This parameter typically decreases during continued therapy. Cases of thrombocytosis have also been reported. Platelet counts should be monitored regularly during the first 8 weeks of treatment.

All other causes of anemia (iron deficiency, folic acid deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, aluminum toxicity, infection or inflammation, blood loss, hemolysis, or bone marrow fibrosis of any origin) must be identified and treated before initiating epoetin alfa therapy and before deciding to increase the dosage. In most cases, serum ferritin levels decrease as hematocrit levels rise. To ensure optimal response to epoetin alfa therapy, adequate iron supply must be ensured (see section "Dosage and administration"):

• In patients with chronic renal insufficiency, iron supplementation (200–300 mg/day orally for adults and 100–200 mg/day for children, calculated as elemental iron) is recommended if serum ferritin levels are below 100 ng/mL;
• In patients with oncological diseases, iron supplementation (200–300 mg/day orally, calculated as elemental iron) is recommended if transferrin saturation is below 20%;
• In patients participating in autologous blood donation programs, iron supplementation (200 mg/day orally, calculated as elemental iron) is recommended several weeks before the start of autologous blood collection to achieve sufficient iron stores before initiation of therapy and during epoetin alfa treatment;
• In patients scheduled for major elective orthopedic surgery, iron supplementation (200 mg/day orally, calculated as elemental iron) is recommended throughout the course of epoetin alfa therapy. Iron supplementation should be initiated, if possible, before starting epoetin alfa therapy to achieve sufficient iron stores.

Very rare cases of development or worsening of pre-existing porphyria have been reported in patients receiving epoetin alfa. Epoetin alfa should be used with caution in patients with porphyria.

With long-term epoetin alfa treatment, severe skin-related adverse reactions may occur, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, which may be life-threatening or fatal (see section "Adverse reactions").

Patients should be informed about possible skin-related adverse reactions. If signs or symptoms of skin-related adverse reactions occur, epoetin alfa therapy should be discontinued immediately and alternative treatment options considered.

The trade name of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents used in treatment must be clearly documented in the patient's medical record. Switching a patient from one erythropoiesis-stimulating agent to another should only be done under physician supervision.

Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA).

Cases of antibody-mediated pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) have been reported after several months or years of subcutaneous epoetin administration, primarily in patients with chronic renal insufficiency. Cases of pure red cell aplasia have also been reported in patients with hepatitis C who received interferon and ribavirin concurrently with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Epoetin alfa is not indicated for the treatment of anemia associated with hepatitis C.

Patients who experience sudden loss of therapeutic response (manifested by hemoglobin decline of 1–2 g/dL per month) with increased transfusion requirements should be referred for reticulocyte count testing and evaluation for typical causes of reduced clinical response (iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12 deficiency, aluminum toxicity, infection or inflammation, blood loss, hemolysis, or bone marrow fibrosis of any origin).

In cases of paradoxical hemoglobin decline and development of severe anemia associated with low reticulocyte count, treatment with EPOBIOCIN should be interrupted, and testing for anti-erythropoietin antibodies and bone marrow examination should be performed to confirm the diagnosis of pure red cell aplasia.

Patients should not be treated with other erythropoiesis-stimulating agents due to the possibility of cross-reactivity.

Treatment of symptomatic anemia in adult and pediatric patients with chronic renal insufficiency.

In patients with chronic renal insufficiency receiving epoetin alfa, hemoglobin levels should be monitored regularly until a stable level is achieved, then periodically. The rate of hemoglobin increase should be approximately 1 g/dL (0.62 mmol/L) per month and should not exceed 2 g/dL (1.25 mmol/L) per month to minimize the risk of arterial hypertension.

In patients with chronic renal insufficiency, the achieved hemoglobin level should not exceed the upper limit of the desired hemoglobin concentration (see section "Dosage and administration"). Clinical trials have shown an increased risk of mortality and serious cardiovascular adverse reactions when erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are used to achieve hemoglobin concentrations above 12 g/dL (7.5 mmol/L).

Controlled clinical trials have not demonstrated significant benefits of using epoetins at hemoglobin concentrations above the level required to control anemia symptoms and prevent blood transfusions.

Dose increases of EPOBIOCIN in patients with chronic renal insufficiency should be made cautiously, as high cumulative doses of erythropoietin may be associated with increased risks of mortality, serious cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular events. In patients with inadequate response to epoetin therapy, alternative approaches to manage poor response should be considered (see section "Dosage and administration").

Patients with chronic renal insufficiency receiving subcutaneous EPOBIOCIN should be regularly monitored for loss of therapeutic response, defined as a decrease or loss of response to epoetin alfa in patients who previously responded to therapy. Loss of response is characterized by a persistent decrease in hemoglobin levels despite increasing doses of epoetin alfa (see section "Adverse reactions").

With extended dosing interval regimens (epoetin alfa administered less frequently than once weekly), hemoglobin levels may decrease in some patients, who may require dose increases. Hemoglobin levels should be monitored regularly.

In hemodialysis patients, shunt thrombosis has been observed, particularly in those prone to hypotension or with arteriovenous fistula complications (e.g., stenosis, aneurysms, etc.). Such patients are recommended to undergo shunt evaluation and thrombosis prophylaxis, for example, with acetylsalicylic acid.

Hyperkalemia has been observed in isolated cases, although a causal relationship has not been established. Electrolyte levels in serum should be monitored in patients with chronic renal insufficiency. In case of increased serum potassium levels, in addition to appropriate hyperkalemia treatment, temporary discontinuation of EPOBIOCIN should be considered until hyperkalemia is fully corrected.

Due to increased hematocrit levels, hemodialysis patients receiving EPOBIOCIN often require increased heparin doses during dialysis. Inadequate heparinization may lead to dialysis system occlusion.

According to current information, the use of EPOBIOCIN in pre-dialysis patients does not accelerate progression of renal insufficiency.

Treatment of patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia.

In oncology patients receiving epoetin alfa, hemoglobin levels should be monitored regularly until a stable level is achieved, then periodically.

Epoetins are growth factors that primarily stimulate erythrocyte production. Erythropoietin receptors have also been detected on the surface of various tumor cells. As with other growth factors, stimulation of certain tumor types by epoetins cannot be excluded.

An impact of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents on tumor progression or progression-free survival cannot be excluded. In controlled clinical trials, the use of EPOBIOCIN and other erythropoiesis-stimulating agents was associated with reduced locoregional tumor control or overall survival:

• Reduced locoregional control in patients with progressing head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy, when used to increase hemoglobin levels above 14 g/dL (8.7 mmol/L);
• Shortened overall survival and increased number of deaths due to disease progression within 4 months in patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving chemotherapy, when used to increase hemoglobin levels to 12–14 g/dL (7.5–8.7 mmol/L);
• Increased risk of death when used to increase hemoglobin levels to 12 g/dL (7.5 mmol/L) in patients with active malignant disease not receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are contraindicated in this patient group;
• 9% increased risk of disease progression or death in the group receiving epoetin alfa and standard treatment, and a statistically non-excludable 15% increased risk in patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving chemotherapy, when used to increase hemoglobin levels to 10–12 g/dL (6.2–7.5 mmol/L).

Given the above, in certain clinical situations, blood transfusion may be preferred for treating anemia in cancer patients. The decision to use recombinant erythropoietins should be based on a benefit-risk assessment for the individual patient, taking into account the specific clinical context. Factors to consider in this assessment should include tumor type and stage, degree of anemia, expected life expectancy, treatment setting, and patient preference.

In oncology patients receiving chemotherapy, a 2–3 week delay in response (from initiation of erythropoietin to appearance of erythropoietin-induced blood cells) is typically observed. This characteristic should be considered when evaluating treatment efficacy (particularly in patients requiring transfusions).

Patients undergoing surgery and participating in autologous blood donation programs.

All specific precautions related to autologous blood donation programs, especially procedures for restoration of circulating blood volume, should be followed.

Patients scheduled for major elective orthopedic surgery.

Appropriate transfusion practices should always be followed in the pre- and postoperative periods.

Patients scheduled for major elective orthopedic surgery should receive appropriate antithrombotic prophylaxis, as thrombotic and vascular complications may occur after surgery, especially in patients with concomitant cardiovascular diseases. Particular caution should be exercised in treating patients predisposed to deep vein thrombosis. Moreover, in patients with an initial hemoglobin level > 13 g/dL, the likelihood of postoperative thrombotic or vascular complications associated with epoetin alfa therapy is significantly higher. Therefore, use of epoetin alfa in patients with an initial hemoglobin level > 13 g/dL is not recommended.

Elderly patients

The safety of epoetin alfa in this patient population has not been established.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Pregnancy.

There are currently no results from controlled studies on the use of EPOBIOCIN in pregnant women. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity. Therefore, EPOBIOCIN should be used in pregnant women only if the potential benefit of therapy outweighs the possible risk to the fetus. Use of epoetin alfa in pregnant women participating in autologous blood donation programs is not recommended.

Breastfeeding.

It is unknown whether exogenous epoetin alfa is excreted in breast milk. Epoetin alfa should be used with caution in breastfeeding women. The decision to continue or discontinue breastfeeding or to continue or discontinue epoetin alfa therapy should be made considering the benefits of breastfeeding for the child and the benefits of epoetin alfa therapy for the woman.

Use of epoetin alfa in patients participating in autologous blood donation programs during breastfeeding is not recommended.

Fertility.

Studies on the effect of epoetin alfa on fertility in men or women have not been conducted.

Ability to affect reaction speed when driving or operating machinery.

Studies on the effect on reaction speed when driving or operating machinery have not been conducted.

Method of Administration and Dosage

Epoetin alfa can be administered via subcutaneous and intravenous injections.

As with any parenteral medicinal product, the EpoBioKrino solution should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration.

All other causes of anemia (iron deficiency, folic acid deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, aluminum intoxication, infection or inflammation, blood loss, hemolysis, or bone marrow fibrosis of any etiology) must be identified and treated before initiating therapy with epoetin alfa and prior to any decision to increase the dosage. To achieve an optimal response to epoetin alfa therapy, adequate iron supply should be ensured, and iron supplementation should be administered as needed (see section "Special Warnings and Precautions for Use").

Intravenous administration

Epoetin alfa is administered by injection over a period of 1 to 5 minutes, depending on the dose. For patients undergoing hemodialysis, the bolus injection can be given directly during the procedure through an appropriate venous port in the dialysis line. Alternatively, the medicinal product can be administered after completion of hemodialysis through the catheter fistula, followed by administration of 10 mL of isotonic sodium chloride solution to flush the system and ensure proper distribution of the drug into the circulation.

Slow administration is primarily recommended for patients experiencing symptoms of cold-like illness.

Epoetin alfa must not be administered as intravenous infusions or mixed with other medicinal products.

Subcutaneous administration

The maximum volume for subcutaneous injection at a single site is 1 mL. If larger volumes are required, subcutaneous administration should be performed at multiple sites.

The drug should be administered subcutaneously in the extremities or the anterior abdominal wall.

If, in the physician’s opinion, the patient or caregiver is capable of safely and effectively self-administering EpoBioKrino subcutaneously, they should be properly instructed on correct dosing and administration techniques.

Treatment of symptomatic anemia in adult and pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease

In patients with chronic kidney disease, intravenous administration is preferred when feasible (e.g., patients on hemodialysis). In cases where intravenous administration is not practical (e.g., patients not yet on hemodialysis or those on peritoneal dialysis), epoetin alfa may be administered subcutaneously.

Symptoms of anemia and associated complications may vary depending on age, sex, and disease-related conditions; therefore, individual clinical assessment by the physician is essential.

EpoBioKrino should be used to increase hemoglobin levels to no more than 12 g/dL (7.5 mmol/L). Increases in hemoglobin levels exceeding 2 g/dL (1.25 mmol/L) within a 4-week period should be avoided. In such cases, the dose should be reduced as specified below.

Due to individual variability, periodic hemoglobin values in each patient may be higher or lower than the desired target range.

Hemoglobin levels should be managed by dose titration, aiming to maintain levels between 10 g/dL (6.2 mmol/L) and 12 g/dL (7.5 mmol/L). In pediatric patients, the recommended target hemoglobin range is 9.5–11 g/dL (5.9–6.8 mmol/L).

Sustained hemoglobin levels above 12 g/dL (7.5 mmol/L) should be avoided. If hemoglobin concentration increases by more than 2 g/dL (1.25 mmol/L) per month or sustained levels exceed 12 g/dL (7.5 mmol/L), the epoetin dose should be reduced by 25%. If hemoglobin levels exceed 13 g/dL (8.1 mmol/L), treatment should be discontinued until hemoglobin decreases to 12 g/dL (7.5 mmol/L), after which therapy should be resumed at a dose 25% lower than the previous dose.

Patients should be closely monitored to ensure that the lowest approved dose of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents provides adequate control of anemia symptoms.

Serum ferritin (or serum iron concentration) should be assessed in all patients before initiating and during treatment with EpoBioKrino. Iron supplementation should be administered as needed. Other types of anemia (such as vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency) must be ruled out before starting EpoBioKrino therapy. Lack of clinical response to EpoBioKrino requires investigation for contributing factors such as iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12 deficiency, aluminum intoxication, intercurrent infections, inflammatory conditions, trauma, hemolysis, or bone marrow fibrosis of any etiology.

Adult patients on hemodialysis

For patients undergoing hemodialysis, the medicinal product is administered intravenously.

Treatment is divided into two phases.

Correction phase

50 IU/kg three times weekly.

If necessary, the dose may be increased stepwise (no more frequently than once every 4 weeks) by 25 IU/kg three times weekly until the optimal hemoglobin concentration (10–12 g/dL or 6.2–7.5 mmol/L) is achieved.

Maintenance phase

Dose adjustment to maintain the desired hemoglobin (Hb) level of 10–12 g/dL (6.2–7.5 mmol/L).

The recommended total weekly dose ranges from 75 to 300 IU/kg.

Patients with very low initial hemoglobin levels (< 6 g/dL or < 3.75 mmol/L) may require higher maintenance doses than patients with less severe anemia (hemoglobin > 8 g/dL or > 5 mmol/L).

Pediatric patients on hemodialysis

For pediatric patients undergoing hemodialysis, the medicinal product is administered intravenously.

Treatment is divided into two phases.

Correction phase

50 IU/kg three times weekly.

If necessary, dose increases may be made stepwise (no more frequently than once every 4 weeks) by 25 IU/kg three times weekly until the optimal hemoglobin concentration of 9.5–11 g/dL (5.9–6.8 mmol/L) is achieved.

Maintenance phase

Dose adjustment to maintain the desired hemoglobin (Hb) level of 9.5–11 g/dL (5.9–6.8 mmol/L).

Children with body weight below 30 kg require higher maintenance doses than adults and children with body weight above 30 kg.

Maintenance doses of epoetin alfa:

Patients with a very low initial hemoglobin level (< 6.8 g/dL or < 4.25 mmol/L) may require higher doses to maintain concentration compared to patients with less severe anemia (hemoglobin > 6.8 g/dL or > 4.25 mmol/L).

Adult patients with renal insufficiency in the pre-dialysis period.

For patients with renal insufficiency in the pre-dialysis period, if intravenous access is not available, the medicinal product may be administered subcutaneously.

Treatment is divided into two phases.

Correction phase.

50 IU/kg three times weekly.

If necessary, dose adjustments may be made by increasing by 25 IU/kg three times weekly, with intervals between dose escalations of at least 4 weeks, until the hemoglobin level reaches the target range of 10–12 g/dL (6.2–7.5 mmol/L).

Maintenance phase.

During the maintenance phase, Epobiochrin can be administered either three times weekly or, in the case of subcutaneous administration, once weekly or once every two weeks. Doses and intervals between administrations should be adjusted to maintain the desired hemoglobin level (Hb) of 10–12 g/dL (6.2–7.5 mmol/L). Prolonging the intervals between administrations may require an increase in dose. The maximum dose should not exceed 150 IU/kg three times weekly, 240 IU/kg (maximum up to 20,000 IU) once weekly, or 480 IU/kg (maximum up to 40,000 IU) once every two weeks.

Adult patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

For patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, if intravenous access is not available, the medicinal product may be administered subcutaneously.

Treatment is divided into two phases.

Correction phase.

50 IU/kg twice weekly.

Maintenance phase.

The usual dose to maintain the desired hemoglobin level (Hb) of 10–12 g/dL (6.2–7.5 mmol/L) is 25–50 IU/kg twice weekly, administered as two equal injections.

Treatment of patients with anemia caused by chemotherapy.

Patients with anemia (e.g., hemoglobin concentration ≤ 10 g/dL (6.2 mmol/L)) should receive Epobiochrin subcutaneously. Symptoms and complications of anemia depend on the patient's age, sex, and disease-related conditions; therefore, individual clinical assessment by a physician is required.

Due to individual variability, periodic hemoglobin levels in each patient may be higher or lower than the desired level. Hemoglobin levels should be monitored and the dose adjusted accordingly, aiming to maintain levels between 10 g/dL (6.2 mmol/L) and 12 g/dL (7.5 mmol/L). Sustained hemoglobin levels above 12 g/dL (7.5 mmol/L) should be avoided. Dose adjustment recommendations for hemoglobin levels exceeding 12 g/dL (7.5 mmol/L) are described below.

Epoetin alfa therapy should be continued for one month after discontinuation of chemotherapy.

The initial dose for treating anemia in this patient group is 150 IU/kg three times weekly. As an alternative, epoetin alfa may be administered at an initial dose of 450 IU/kg subcutaneously once weekly.

If, after 4 weeks of initial dose administration, hemoglobin increases by at least 1 g/dL (0.6 mmol/L) (or reticulocyte count increases to ≥ 40,000 cells/mL), the dose should remain at 150 IU/kg three times weekly or 450 IU/kg subcutaneously once weekly. If, after 4 weeks of initial dose administration, hemoglobin increases by less than 1 g/dL (0.62 mmol/L) or reticulocyte count increases to < 40,000 cells/mL, the dose should be increased to 300 IU/kg three times weekly or 40,000 IU once weekly.

If, after 4 weeks of treatment with the increased dose of 300 IU/kg three times weekly, hemoglobin increases by ≥ 1 g/dL (≥ 0.62 mmol/L) or reticulocyte count increases to ≥ 40,000 cells/mL, the dose should remain unchanged. However, if hemoglobin increases by < 1 g/dL (< 0.62 mmol/L) or reticulocyte count increases by < 40,000 cells/mL, the clinical response is considered negative and treatment should be discontinued.

Recommended dosing regimen:

Patients should be closely monitored to ensure that the lowest approved dose of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents provides adequate control of anemia symptoms.

Dose adjustment to maintain target hemoglobin level of 10–12 g/dL.

If the rate of hemoglobin increase exceeds 2 g/dL (1.25 mmol/L) per month and the total hemoglobin level approaches 12 g/dL (7.5 mmol/L), the dose of Epobiochrin should be reduced by 25–50%, depending on the rate of hemoglobin rise. If hemoglobin exceeds 13 g/dL (8.1 mmol/L), therapy should be temporarily discontinued until levels decrease to 12 g/dL (7.5 mmol/L), then resumed at a dose 25% lower than the previous dose.

Adult patients participating in an autologous blood donation program prior to surgery.

Intravenous administration is recommended.

Epoetin alfa should be administered after each blood donation procedure.

Patients with moderate anemia (hematocrit level 33–39%) who require ≥ 4 units of blood should be treated with epoetin alfa at a dose of 600 IU/kg twice weekly for 3 weeks prior to surgery.

All patients receiving epoetin alfa must receive adequate iron supplementation (200 mg daily orally) throughout the entire treatment course. Iron supplementation should be initiated as early as possible, even several weeks before starting the autologous blood donation program.

Adult patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery.

Subcutaneous administration is recommended.

The recommended dosing regimen is 600 IU/kg weekly for 3 weeks prior to surgery (on days 21, 14, and 7 before surgery) and on the day of surgery.

If, for medical reasons, the preoperative period must be shortened to less than 3 weeks, Epobiochrin should be administered daily at a dose of 300 IU/kg for 10 consecutive days before surgery, on the day of surgery, and for 4 days after surgery. If hematological tests during the preoperative period show hemoglobin levels reaching 15 g/dL or higher, epoetin alfa administration must be completely discontinued.

All patients receiving epoetin alfa must receive adequate iron supplementation (200 mg daily orally) throughout the entire treatment course. Iron supplementation should be initiated as early as possible, even several weeks before starting the autologous blood donation program.

Children.

Epoetin alfa is indicated for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic renal insufficiency in children aged 1 month to 18 years who are on dialysis. The safety and efficacy of the medicinal product in children under 1 month of age have not been established.

Overdose.

The medicinal product has a wide therapeutic window. Overdose of epoetin alfa results in effects reflecting the maximum expression of the hormone's pharmacological action. In cases of excessively high hemoglobin levels, phlebotomy may be performed. Symptomatic therapy should be applied if necessary.

Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reaction during treatment with epoetin alfa in oncology patients and patients with chronic renal failure is dose-dependent increase in blood pressure or worsening of pre-existing hypertension. Blood pressure should be monitored from the beginning of treatment. Other common adverse reactions include deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, seizures, diarrhea, nausea, headache, flu-like symptoms, pyrexia, rash, and vomiting.

At the beginning of treatment, cold-like symptoms such as headache, muscle and joint pain, and chills may occur. The frequency may vary depending on the indication.

Worsening of airway patency may also be observed, including nasal congestion and nasopharyngitis.

Serious adverse reactions include venous and arterial thrombosis, embolism (including fatal cases), deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, arterial thrombosis (including myocardial infarction and myocardial ischemia), retinal thrombosis, and shunt thrombosis (including dialysis system occlusion). Cerebrovascular complications (including stroke and cerebral hemorrhage) and transient ischemic attacks, aneurysms, and hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, urticaria, anaphylactic reactions, and angioedema may also occur.

Furthermore, during treatment with epoetin alfa, hypertensive crisis with encephalopathy and seizures may occur in patients with previously normal or low blood pressure, requiring immediate medical attention and intensive medical care. Particular attention should be paid to sudden, acute migraine-like headache as a possible warning sign.

Very rarely, antibody-mediated pure red cell aplasia may occur after several months or years of treatment.

Frequency of adverse reactions: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10000 to <1/1000); very rare (<1/10000); frequency not known.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders.

Uncommon – thrombocytosis (in cancer patients).

Frequency not known – thrombocytosis (in patients with chronic renal failure).

Very rare – antibody-dependent pure red cell aplasia.

Immune system disorders.

Frequency not known – anaphylactic reactions, hypersensitivity reactions.

Anaphylactic reactions occur rarely: potentially serious complications associated with respiratory distress or hypotension, immune responses (has minimal ability to induce antibody formation).

Nervous system disorders.

Very common – headache (in cancer patients).

Common – seizures (in patients with chronic renal failure), headache (in patients with chronic renal failure), stroke.

Uncommon – cerebral hemorrhage, seizures (in cancer patients).

Frequency not known – cerebrovascular stroke, hypertensive encephalopathy, transient ischemic attack, dizziness, somnolence.

Eye disorders.

Frequency not known – retinal thrombosis.

Cardiac disorders.

Frequency not known – myocardial infarction.

Vascular disorders.

Common – deep vein thrombosis (in cancer patients), arterial hypertension.

Frequency not known – deep vein thrombosis (in patients with chronic renal failure), arterial thrombosis, hypertensive crisis.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders.

Common – pulmonary embolism (in cancer patients), cough.

Uncommon – worsening of airway patency.

Frequency not known – pulmonary embolism (in patients with chronic renal failure).

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Very common – nausea.

Common – diarrhea (in cancer patients), vomiting.

Uncommon – diarrhea (in patients with chronic renal failure).

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Common – rash, eczema.

Frequency not known – angioedema, urticaria, pruritus, Quincke's edema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (which may be life-threatening or fatal).

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

Very common – arthralgia (in patients with chronic renal failure), bone pain, limb pain.

Common – arthralgia (in cancer patients).

Uncommon – myalgia (in cancer patients).

Frequency not known – myalgia (in patients with chronic renal failure).

Congenital, familial and genetic disorders.

Frequency not known – porphyria.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Very common – pyrexia (in cancer patients), flu-like symptoms (in patients with chronic renal failure), injection site reactions, peripheral edema.

Common – flu-like symptoms (in cancer patients).

Frequency not known – chills, lack of response to treatment.

Investigations.

Frequency not known – presence of antibodies to erythropoietin, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, increased plasma concentrations of urea, creatinine, and uric acid (in patients with chronic renal failure).

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications.

Common – shunt thrombosis, including dialysis equipment (in patients with chronic renal failure).

Patients with chronic renal failure.

In patients with chronic renal failure, hemoglobin levels above 12 g/dL may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, including fatal outcomes.

In patients undergoing hemodialysis, especially those prone to hypotension or with arteriovenous fistula complications (stenosis, aneurysms, etc.), cases of shunt thrombosis have been reported.

Patients with oncological diseases.

Thrombotic complications may occur in patients receiving erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, including epoetin alfa (see section "Special precautions").

Adult surgical patients.

It cannot be excluded that treatment with epoetin alfa in patients with stable hemoglobin levels >13 g/dL may be associated with an increased risk of postoperative thrombotic/vascular complications.

Description of selected adverse reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, including cases of rash (including urticaria), anaphylactic reactions, and angioedema (see section "Special precautions").

Cases of hypertensive crisis with encephalopathy and seizures requiring immediate medical evaluation and intensive therapy have been observed in patients with normal or low blood pressure at the start of treatment. Particular attention should be paid to the sudden onset of severe migraine-like headache, which may be a warning sign (see section "Special precautions").

Very rarely (<10,000 cases per patient-year), cases of antibody-mediated pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) have been reported in patients treated with erythropoietin products for months or years (see section "Special precautions").

Children with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis.

Clinical experience and post-marketing data on the use of erythropoietin in children with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis are limited. No adverse reactions specific to pediatric patients not listed in the table have been identified; nor have any adverse reactions unrelated to the underlying disease been reported.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after drug authorization is important. It allows continuous monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product.

Healthcare professionals and patients or their legal representatives may report all suspected adverse reactions or lack of efficacy of medicinal products manufactured by LLC "FZ "BIOFARMA" in any convenient way (by mail, email or phone), in paper or electronic form. Reports on adverse reactions or lack of efficacy of medicinal products manufactured by LLC "FZ "BIOFARMA" should be sent to the Pharmacovigilance Department at the following address: 12 Mykola Amosov Street, Kyiv, 03680, Tel. +38 044 459 4600, email: [email protected]. In case of adverse effects or safety-related questions regarding the use of medicinal products manufactured by LLC "FZ "BIOFARMA", please contact the Pharmacovigilance Department.

Additionally, reports of adverse reactions can be submitted via the Automated Information System for Pharmacovigilance at the following link: https://aisf.dec.gov.ua

Shelf life. 2 years.

Storage conditions. Store in the original packaging to protect from light at a temperature of 2 to 8 °C. Do not freeze. Do not shake.

Keep out of reach of children.

Incompatibilities. As compatibility studies are lacking, EpoBioCrin must not be mixed with other medicinal products.

Packaging. 1000 IU, 2000 IU, 4000 IU, 10,000 IU in pre-filled syringes or ampoules. Packs of 5 pre-filled syringes or 5 ampoules in a blister. One blister per carton.

Prescription status. Prescription only.

Manufacturer.

LLC "FZ "STADA", Ukraine.

Manufacturer's location and address of place of business.

37 Kyivska Street, Bila Tserkva, Kyiv Oblast, 09100, Ukraine.