How it is administered

Erythropoietin is given as an injection, either under the skin (subcutaneous) or into a vein (intravenous). It is available in single-dose and multi-dose vials of varying strengths. The exact dose and schedule depend on the condition being treated and the patient's needs. For patients with blood cancers or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) receiving chemotherapy, it is typically given once a week or three times per week, as directed by your healthcare provider.

How it works

Erythropoietin is a man-made version of a natural hormone produced by your kidneys. Its main job is to stimulate your bone marrow to make more red blood cells. This is especially important for people with anemia (low red blood cell counts), which can happen due to chronic kidney disease, certain medications, or chemotherapy for cancer and blood disorders like myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

By increasing red blood cell production, erythropoietin helps improve oxygen delivery throughout your body, which can reduce symptoms of anemia such as fatigue and weakness. However, it is important to monitor blood counts closely, as too high a red blood cell count can increase the risk of serious side effects.

Who Should take it

Erythropoietin is used to treat anemia (low red blood cell count) caused by:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD), both in patients on dialysis and those not on dialysis
• Chemotherapy for non-myeloid cancers (including some blood cancers and myelodysplastic syndromes) when anemia is due to the chemotherapy
• Certain cases of HIV infection treated with zidovudine
• Patients undergoing elective, non-cardiac, non-vascular surgery who are at high risk for blood loss

For people with myelodysplastic syndromes, erythropoietin may be used to reduce the need for blood transfusions if anemia is present and other causes have been ruled out.

Who should not take it

Do not use erythropoietin if you have:

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that began after previous treatment with erythropoietin or similar drugs
• Serious allergic reactions to erythropoietin
• For multi-dose vials containing benzyl alcohol: do not use in neonates, infants, pregnant women, or breastfeeding women

It is also not recommended for use:

• In patients with cancer who are not receiving chemotherapy or whose anemia can be managed by transfusion
• In patients scheduled for surgery who are willing to donate their own blood
• In patients needing immediate correction of anemia (such as severe, symptomatic anemia)

Commonly used with

Erythropoietin is often used alongside:

• Iron supplements (oral or intravenous), since your body needs enough iron to make new red blood cells
• Other supportive care medications for patients receiving chemotherapy or with chronic kidney disease

In myelodysplastic syndromes, it may be used with other treatments for anemia, such as transfusions or other growth factors, depending on your specific needs.

Commonly tested with

Erythropoietin has been tested in combination with:

• Chemotherapy agents for cancer and blood disorders
• Iron supplementation
• Other supportive medications for anemia

In clinical studies for MDS and other blood cancers, it is often compared to placebo or standard supportive care (like transfusions) to see if it can reduce the need for transfusions and improve quality of life.