A rationale for an individualized administration frequency of epoetin beta: a clinical perspective

The efficacy and safety of intravenous (i.v.) and subcutaneous recombinant human erythropoietin (rh-EPO, epoetin) for the treatment of renal anaemia is well established. Subcutaneous administration of epoetin is recommended by current guidelines because it is more flexible and convenient than i.v. dosing, enables dose reduction of epoetin and results in cost benefits. Subcutaneous administration of epoetin beta permits flexible dosing regimens that can be tailored to patients' individual needs. This was demonstrated in a recent, large, randomized, controlled trial in which once-weekly dosing of epoetin beta was as effective as the same total dose administered two or three times weekly. New developments in delivery devices for self-administration, which are more convenient and acceptable to patients, also contribute to the ability to individualize treatment. Furthermore, educating patients in the management of renal anaemia encourages collaboration between patients and health care providers, enabling more tailored treatment regimens to be developed. In conclusion, the use of flexible dosing frequencies, easy-to-use delivery devices and patient education may increase patient compliance and encourage self-administration of epoetin beta. The ability to individualize epoetin beta therapy increases the number of options available to nephrologists and their patients, leading to greater opportunities to tailor treatment according to specific needs.