OXEMIA® (Desidustat) Tablets
25 mg · 50 mg · 100 mg film-coated tablets · For oral use
1. Product Summary
- Active ingredient
- Desidustat (25 mg / 50 mg / 100 mg per tablet)
- Therapeutic class
- Blood & related products - agents for anaemia
- Pharmacological class
- Hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) inhibitor
- Chemical class
- Quinoline derivative
- Route of administration
- Oral
- Prescription status
- Prescription-only medicine (Rx)
- Habit forming
- No
- Marketed by
- Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., Ahmedabad, India
2. Indication
OXEMIA® is indicated for the treatment of anaemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults, both in patients who are on dialysis and in those who are not yet on dialysis.
3. Mechanism of Action
Desidustat inhibits hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) enzymes, which stabilises hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). Stabilised HIF activates the body's natural response to hypoxia, stimulating endogenous erythropoietin production and improving iron availability and utilisation. Together these effects increase red blood cell production and help correct the anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease.
4. Dosage & Administration
Use OXEMIA® in the dose and for the duration advised by the treating physician. The starting dose and titration should be individualised based on CKD stage, baseline haemoglobin (Hb) and response.
| CKD stage | Available strengths | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 3 | 25 mg / 50 mg / 100 mg | Once daily |
| Stage 4 | 25 mg / 50 mg / 100 mg | Once daily |
| Stage 5 (non-dialysis) | 25 mg / 50 mg / 100 mg | Once daily |
| Stage 5 (dialysis) | 25 mg / 50 mg / 100 mg | Once daily |
Titration
- Reassess haemoglobin every 2–4 weeks.
- Adjust the dose in 25 mg increments based on Hb response and tolerability.
- Do not increase the dose more frequently than once every 2 weeks.
- Aim to reach and maintain the target haemoglobin range of 10–13 g/dL (per the treating physician).
How to take it
- Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not chew, crush or break it.
- Take on an empty stomach, unless the physician advises otherwise.
- Try to take it at about the same time each day.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as it is remembered. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
5. Warnings & Precautions
- Regular blood tests are recommended to monitor haemoglobin, blood counts and electrolytes (including potassium).
- Avoid rapid increases in haemoglobin; titrate gradually.
- Inform the physician of any history of seizure, stroke or blood disorders before starting treatment.
- Tell the physician about all other medicines, supplements and herbal products being taken.
6. Use in Specific Populations
- Pregnancy
- Safety during pregnancy has not been established. Use only after consulting the physician.
- Breastfeeding
- Information on use during breastfeeding is not available. Consult the physician.
- Kidney disease
- Limited data are available. Use under medical supervision.
- Liver disease
- Limited data are available. Use under medical supervision.
- Alcohol
- It is not known whether alcohol is safe with OXEMIA®. Consult the physician.
- Driving
- OXEMIA® does not usually affect the ability to drive.
7. Adverse Effects
Commonly reported side effects include:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Weakness
- Peripheral oedema (swelling)
- Headache
Most side effects are mild and tend to resolve as the body adjusts to treatment. Consult the physician if any side effect persists, worsens, or causes concern.
8. Storage
- Store below 30°C.
- Keep in the original packaging, protected from heat and moisture.
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.
9. Presentation
OXEMIA® film-coated tablets are available in 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg strengths.