Renesis 150

Indications

Roxadustat is used to treat anaemia (low haemoglobin) caused by chronic kidney disease in adults, both in people on dialysis and in those not yet on dialysis. It is prescribed and monitored by a kidney specialist.

How It Works

It is a HIF prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor. It switches on the body's natural response to low oxygen, which raises the body's own production of erythropoietin (the hormone that tells the bone marrow to make red blood cells) and improves the use of iron. This increases haemoglobin.

Dosage and Administration

The dose depends on body weight, current haemoglobin and previous anaemia treatment, and is taken three times a week (not on consecutive days), as prescribed by the kidney specialist. The doctor adjusts the dose every few weeks based on blood tests. Swallow tablets whole, with or without food. On dialysis days it can be taken before or after dialysis. Not for children.

Interactions

Phosphate binders (such as Sevelamer and calcium acetate), iron, calcium, magnesium, aluminium and zinc products and some antacids reduce its absorption; take Roxadustat at least 1 hour after them. It raises the levels of some statins (such as Simvastatin and Rosuvastatin), so their dose may need limiting. Gemfibrozil and Probenecid can raise Roxadustat levels. Do not take it with other medicines that stimulate red blood cell production unless the specialist advises.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Roxadustat or peanuts or soya (some tablets contain soya lecithin; check the pack).
• The last 6 months of pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Common: high blood pressure, high potassium, swelling of the legs, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, and clotting of the dialysis access (fistula or graft). Less common: blood clots in veins, fits, and serious infections.

Get urgent medical help if you have chest pain, pain or swelling in one leg, sudden shortness of breath, sudden weakness or numbness, trouble speaking or seeing, a severe headache, a fit, signs of infection with high fever, or if your dialysis access stops working.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Not recommended in pregnancy and must not be used in the last 6 months. Women who could become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 1 week after the last dose; hormonal contraceptives may be less reliable, so ask your doctor. Do not breastfeed while taking it.

Precautions and Warnings

Your blood pressure, haemoglobin, potassium and liver tests will be checked regularly. Haemoglobin that rises too high or too fast increases the risk of clots, heart problems and stroke. Tell your doctor if you have a history of fits, blood clots, heart disease, liver disease or cancer. Keep to your diet and fluid advice for kidney disease.

Overdose

Overdose may raise haemoglobin too much and cause high heart rate and nausea. Contact your doctor or seek medical help promptly.

Therapeutic Class

Antianaemic agent (HIF prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor) for kidney disease.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.