Epokine

Patients with CRF on dialysis: May be administered IV Bolus into the venous line after dialysis. Patients with CRF not on dialysis: May be administered IV or SC. For minimal dilution, mix with bacteriostatic 0.9% sodium chloride, containing 20 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride and benzyl alcohol as the bacteriostatic agent. Dilutions of 1:10 and 1:20 (1 part epoetin: 19 parts sodium chloride) are stable for 18 hours at room temperature. Results showed no loss of epoetin alfa after a 1:20 dilution. 250 mcg/ ml albumin remaining after a 1:10 dilution of formulated epoetin alfa should be sufficient to prevent it from binding to commonly encountered containers. Prior to SC administration, preservative free solutions may be mixed with bacteriostatic NS containing benzyl alcohol 0.9% in a 1:1 ratio. Do not shake vial while preparing to avoid denaturing glycoprotein, inactivating drug.