Hypertension, history of seizure, thrombocytosis, chronic hepatic impairment, ischaemic vascular disease, malignant tumours, epilepsy; recent MI or CVA. Fe deficiency, infection, inflammatory disorders, haemolysis and aluminium intoxication may decrease response to epoetin beta. Regularly monitor platelet counts and serum-potassium concentrations. Control haematocrit levels. Poorly-controlled hypertension: Monitor BP, Hb and electrolytes. Anaemia (eg, megaloblastic or folic acid): Give Fe supplements when needed. Thromobocytosis: monitor platelet count for 1st 8 wk. Lactation. Lactation: not known if excreted in breast milk, use caution.

>10% Hypertension (13%),Diarrhea (11%),Nasopharyngitis (11%) 1-10% Headache (9%),Upper respiratory tract infection (9%),Cough (6%),Hypotension (5%),Urinary tract infection (5%),Procedural arteriovenous fistula thrombosis (5%) Frequency Not Defined Coronary artery disease,Anemia,Septic shock,Serious cardiovascular and thromboembolic events,Seizures,Immunogenicity related PRCA,Increased mortality and/or tumor progression in cancer patients,Increased mortality,Concomitant termination of other CRF therapy,Stevens-Johnson syndrome,Toxic epidermal necrolysis