Roxadustat

Roxadustat is a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Treatment of symptomatic anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease in adult patients, including patients on dialysis or not on dialysis, where this use is approved and considered appropriate by the prescriber.

Roxadustat is taken by mouth as tablets. Adult dosing is individualised according to body weight, haemoglobin level, dialysis status, previous anaemia treatment, and response to therapy. It is commonly prescribed on selected days each week rather than every day. The exact dose, schedule, dose adjustments, and monitoring plan must be set by the treating doctor; do not start, stop, or change the dose without medical advice.

• Common side effects may include high blood pressure, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, headache, swelling of the legs or ankles, and increased potassium level.
• Serious side effects can include blood clots, vascular access thrombosis in dialysis patients, heart attack, stroke, worsening hypertension, seizures, and severe allergic reactions.
• Seek urgent medical help for chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, sudden severe headache, vision or speech problems, painful swollen leg, fainting, or signs of allergy such as facial swelling or breathing difficulty.

Use Roxadustat with caution in people with uncontrolled or poorly controlled high blood pressure, previous blood clots, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, seizure history, active serious infection or inflammation, liver disease, or a history of cancer. Haemoglobin should not be raised too quickly or above the target advised by the doctor. Iron status, blood pressure, potassium, and haemoglobin usually need monitoring during treatment. Use this medicine only under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

• Phosphate binders and products containing iron, calcium, magnesium, or aluminium can reduce absorption of Roxadustat; the prescriber may advise separating administration times.
• Roxadustat can increase exposure to some statins, such as simvastatin, rosuvastatin, atorvastatin, or other lipid-lowering medicines, which may increase the risk of muscle pain or muscle injury.
• Strong inhibitors of CYP2C8 or UGT1A9, such as gemfibrozil or probenecid, may increase roxadustat levels.
• Enzyme inducers such as rifampicin may reduce roxadustat levels and effectiveness.
• Always tell the doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbal products being used.

• Known hypersensitivity or serious allergic reaction to Roxadustat or any tablet ingredient.
• Use in the third trimester of pregnancy is contraindicated in some approved product information.
• Breastfeeding is contraindicated in some approved product information because of potential risk to the infant.

Roxadustat is generally not recommended during pregnancy, and women who could become pregnant should discuss effective contraception with their doctor before and during treatment. It should not be used in the third trimester where this is listed as contraindicated. Breastfeeding is not recommended and may be contraindicated during treatment; discuss safer alternatives with the doctor.

Store tablets at room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keep in the original packaging until use and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date or if the tablets appear damaged.