Table 3.

ESA Dosing (This table includes new doses contained in the FDA-approved label as released on November 8, 2007.)

Dose and Modifications	Epoetin Alfa		Darbepoetin Alfa
Initial dose	150 U/kg SC TIW	40,000 U SC weekly	2.25 mcg/kg SC weekly	500 mcg SC Q3W
Dose increase	Increase dose to 300 U/kg TIW if no reduction in transfusion requirements or rise in Hb after 8 wks	Increase dose to 60,000 U SC weekly if no increase in Hb by ≥ 1 g/dL after 4 wks of therapy, in the absence of a RBC transfusion	Increase dose to 4.5 mcg/kg if there is < 1 g/dL increase in Hb after 6 wks	—
Dose reductions	Decrease dose by 25% when Hb reaches a level needed to avoid transfusion or Hb increases >1 g/dL in 2 wks		Decrease dose by 40% of previous dose when Hb reaches a level needed to avoid transfusion or Hb increases > 1 g/dL in 2 wks
Dose withholding	If Hb exceeds 12 g/dL, withhold dose until Hb approaches a level where transfusions may be required; restart dose at 25% below previous dose		If Hb exceeds 12 g/dL, withhold dose until Hb approaches a level where transfusions may be required; restart dose at 40% below previous dose

NOTE. Table appears as Table 6A in the full guideline. New label text is shown in bold type.

Abbreviations: ESA, erythropoiesis-stimulating agent; FDA, US Food and Drug Administration; SC, subcutaneous; TIW, three times per week; Q3W, every 3 weeks; Hb, hemoglobin; wk, week.