Epoetin-beta, methoxy polyethylene glycol

Epoetin-beta stimulates the production of red blood cells in people whose ability to do so is compromised due to kidney failure. This medication can help resolve anemia problems in people with chronic kidney failure, although it cannot help patients who are suffering from anemia because of chemotherapy.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication should not be prescribed for patients who have low red blood cell count as a result of chemotherapy. Patients who have cancer are more likely to die of their cancer if they take this drug while on chemotherapy.

Patients who take this drug have greater risk of heart disease, including heart attack and stroke, than patients who don’t take this drug. Patients who already have heart disease may want to avoid this drug for this reason.