A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON SAFETY, EFFICACY AND AFFORDABILITY BETWEEN ERYTHROPOIETIN VS DARBEPOIETIN IN DIALYSIS PATIENT TO TREAT ANEMIA

Dr. Bader Unissa*1, Maleeha Wajid2, Sameera Afroz3, Mohammed Hamza4 and Mohammed Mujtaba5

ABSTRACT

Study Objective: To compare the safety, effectiveness, and affordability of erythropoietin alfa with Darbepoetin alfa for achieving increasing haemoglobin concentration in ESRD patients associated with dialysis to treat anemia. Design: A prospective, comparative study. Methods: In this randomised study, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis were considered, who are anaemic or whose haemoglobin levels are<10gm/Dl. Among a total population of 80 patients, half of them received erythropoietin alfa and the other half received Darbepoetin alfa via I.V or S.C route of administration and was then observed for the next 26 weeks. The efficacy was compared by observing the mean change in haemoglobin level from baseline to the end of the study. Safety was also evaluated by comparing ADRs observed in both groups. Results: In the patient population (n = 80), 40 patients were given erythropoietin alfa (Epofit 4k IU) and the remaining 40 patients were given Darbepoetin alfa (Cresp 40mcg). The mean change in haemoglobin levels to achieve the target haemoglobin levels (10.5-12.5 g/Dl) between these 2 groups during monthly follow up and at the end of 6 months was superior in group A 1(65.2%) than in group B (52.2%). The safety of the drug was evaluated by comparing the ADRs observed in each group. Group b- with Darbepoetin alfa (23.2%) showed significantly similar ADRs when compared to group A- with erythropoietin alfa (21.2%). Although the ADR’s were not severe. Conclusion: Both the drugs are safe and effective for treating anaemia in dialysis patients, but erythropoietin alfa tends to be superior to Darbepoetin alfa. Darbepoetin alfa is superior as it is a long- acting drug which is generally administered only 1 to 2 times a week, whereas erythropoietin alfa is a short-acting drug which is administered 3 times a week (Doses are adjusted according to HB levels). Although both the drugs are safe and effective, erythropoietin alfa is preferred due to its availability, cost effectiveness, and domestic production.

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