Mircera (Methoxy Polyethylene Glycol-Epoetin Beta)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Mircera Used For?
Mircera is a hormone medication that helps treat anemia in people with chronic kidney disease (kidney failure). Anemia occurs when you have low levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin, which means your body’s tissues don’t get enough oxygen.
Primary Uses
Mircera is specifically used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease (kidney failure). It has not been shown to be effective for anemia caused by other diseases.
How It Works
Mircera works like the natural hormone erythropoietin that your kidneys normally produce. It stimulates your bone marrow and spleen to make more red blood cells, which increases your hemoglobin levels and reduces your need for blood transfusions. Compared to other similar medicines, Mircera stays in your body longer, so you need fewer injections.
Good to know: Mircera is not addictive and is available only with a doctor’s prescription.
How to Take Mircera
Mircera must be started under medical supervision. After proper training, you may be able to inject it yourself at home. It can be given under the skin (abdomen, arm, or thigh) or into a vein, depending on what your doctor decides is best for you.
Dosage Instructions
If you haven’t used erythropoietin before: For non-dialysis patients, the starting dose is usually 1.2 micrograms per kilogram of body weight once monthly, or 0.6 micrograms per kilogram every 2 weeks. For dialysis patients, it’s 0.6 micrograms per kilogram every 2 weeks. If switching from another erythropoietin medicine, your doctor will calculate the right starting dose based on your previous treatment. Your doctor will regularly test your blood and may adjust your dose, but not more often than once a month.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember and contact your doctor about when to take your next dose. Don’t let yourself run out of Mircera over weekends or holidays.
Important: Never stop using Mircera or change your dose without checking with your doctor first. Each pre-filled syringe is for single use only.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- back or joint pain
- muscle spasms
- changes in blood pressure
- ringing in ears
- vision problems
- diarrhea
- constipation
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- indigestion
- sore throat or nose
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
- difficulty sleeping
- pain with urination
- swelling of ankles, feet or hands
- feeling tired
- itching
- hot flushes
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- blood clots in dialysis access
- bleeding or bruising more easily
- chest pain
- feeling of tightness in chest
- headache
- red skin reaction
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before using Mircera. Make sure to discuss your complete medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Mircera
Do not use Mircera if you: are allergic to methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta or similar medicines containing erythropoietin; have high blood pressure that is not well controlled; are healthy or haven’t been prescribed Mircera (this can cause dangerously high hemoglobin levels); are under 18 years old (safety not established in children and adolescents).
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: blood disorders (hemoglobinopathies); bleeding or clotting problems; high blood pressure; cancer; epilepsy or seizures; vitamin deficiencies or other health problems; any allergies; planned surgery. Your doctor will need to monitor your iron levels and blood pressure throughout treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Mircera is not generally recommended during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks to your unborn baby. It’s unknown if Mircera passes into breast milk, so discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor if you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
Serious Blood Condition: A rare condition called pure red cell aplasia (where your body stops making red blood cells due to antibodies) has been observed. If this occurs, Mircera treatment must be stopped permanently.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may affect how Mircera works or may be affected by it. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
Important: Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking, including those from pharmacies, supermarkets, or health food shops.
- medicines, vitamins or supplements bought without prescription
- blood pressure medications
- iron supplements may be needed during treatment
Alcohol & Driving
Mircera is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, but you should be cautious until you know how it affects you personally.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the prescribing information, but discuss alcohol use with your doctor.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful when driving or using machines until you know how Mircera affects you. While it’s not expected to impair your abilities, individual responses may vary.
Storage
Store Mircera in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze or shake. Keep in the outer carton to protect from light. You may remove one dose from the fridge and store it at room temperature (not above 30°C/86°F) for one month, but only once. Once removed from the fridge, you cannot put it back and must use it within one month, even if it hasn’t expired. Keep away from children.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve used too much Mircera, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately as blood tests may be needed and treatment may need to be temporarily stopped. For urgent situations, call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mircera works by gradually increasing your red blood cell production. Your doctor will regularly monitor your hemoglobin levels through blood tests to track your response to treatment and adjust your dose if needed.
Yes, after proper training from your healthcare professional, you can inject Mircera yourself under the skin at home. Your doctor will discuss whether this is suitable for you and provide detailed instructions.
No, Mircera is not addictive. It’s a hormone medication that helps your body produce more red blood cells to treat anemia.
Never stop using Mircera or change your dose without first checking with your doctor. Treatment is normally long-term, and stopping suddenly could affect your anemia management.
Mircera is typically given once a month or once every two weeks, depending on your specific situation and doctor’s recommendation. This is less frequent than other similar medications.
If you miss your scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember and contact your doctor about when to take your next dose. Don’t let yourself run out over weekends or holidays.
Yes, but remember to keep it refrigerated. You can remove one dose from the fridge and store it at room temperature (not above 30°C) for up to one month if needed for travel, but this can only be done once.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.