Erythropoietin
Also known as: EPO, Epoetin alfa, Epoetin beta, Epogen, Eprex, NeoRecormon, Procrit, rhEPO
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Summary
Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) is used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy, HIV infection, and surgery.
Mechanism of Action
Binds erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) on erythroid progenitors, activating JAK2‑STAT5 signaling to promote survival, proliferation and differentiation of red‑cell precursors.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Treatment of anemia in chronic kidney diseaseHematology / NephrologyHigh
- Neuroprotection (investigational)Neurology / ResearchLow
- Anemia of chronic kidney diseaseHematologyHigh
- Treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemiaOncology / HematologyHigh
- Athletic performance enhancement (illicit)Sports / DopingModerate
- Chemotherapy‑induced anemiaOncologyHigh
- Anemia in HIV infectionInfectiousModerate
- Reduction of allogeneic blood transfusions in surgerySurgery / Perioperative MedicineHigh
- Treatment of anemia in HIV-infected patients on zidovudineInfectious Disease / HematologyHigh
Contraindications
- Use to target hemoglobin above 11–12 g/dL in cancer patientsOncologyHigh
- Hypersensitivity to erythropoietin or excipientsAllergicHigh
- Thrombotic risk conditions (e.g., recent DVT, PE)HematologicalModerate
- Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) due to prior EPO therapyImmunologicalHigh
- Known hypersensitivity to EPO or any excipientImmunologicHigh
- Active malignancy not receiving chemotherapyOncologyModerate
- Uncontrolled hypertensionCardiovascularHigh
Adverse Effects
- HypertensionCardiovascularCommonHigh blood pressure
- Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
- HeadacheNeurologicCommonPain in the head or upper neck
- Thromboembolic events (DVT, PE, stroke, MI)Cardiovascular / HematologicalUncommon
- Thromboembolic eventsCardiovascularUncommon
- Flu‑like syndromeSystemicCommon
- Tumor progression or recurrenceOncologicalUnknown
- Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA)Immunological / HematologicalRare
Drug Interactions
- Androgens (e.g., testosterone)Moderate
- Antihypertensive agentsModerate
- Iron supplementsLow
- ACE inhibitorsLow
- AntihypertensivesModerateMay potentiate hypotensive effects in some contexts
- Warfarin / anticoagulantsModerate
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Patients with cardiovascular disease or recent strokeCardiovascularRelative
- Cancer patients not on chemotherapyOncologicalAbsolute
- Pregnant womenReproductiveRelative
- Pediatric patients (neonates)AgeRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionApprovedApproved: Anemia due to CKD, Chemotherapy‑induced anemiaEMA‑approved; biosimilars available.
- United StatesApprovedApproved: Anemia due to CKD, Chemotherapy‑induced anemia, HIV‑related anemiaFDA‑approved as Epogen/Procrit.
- United KingdomApprovedApproved: Anemia due to CKD, Chemotherapy‑induced anemiaMHRA‑approved; same as EU.
Approved as biologic; multiple biosimilar versions exist. Dosing requires monitoring of hemoglobin and blood pressure.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Erythropoietin?
Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) is used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy, HIV infection, and surgery.
What is Erythropoietin used for?
Erythropoietin is educationally associated with: Treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease, Neuroprotection (investigational), Anemia of chronic kidney disease, Treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia, Athletic performance enhancement (illicit), Chemotherapy‑induced anemia, Anemia in HIV infection, Reduction of allogeneic blood transfusions in surgery, Treatment of anemia in HIV-infected patients on zidovudine. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Erythropoietin administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intravenous, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Erythropoietin?
Reported adverse effects include: Hypertension, Injection site reactions, Headache, Thromboembolic events (DVT, PE, stroke, MI), Thromboembolic events, Flu‑like syndrome, Tumor progression or recurrence, Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Erythropoietin?
Recorded contraindications: Use to target hemoglobin above 11–12 g/dL in cancer patients, Hypersensitivity to erythropoietin or excipients, Thrombotic risk conditions (e.g., recent DVT, PE), Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) due to prior EPO therapy, Known hypersensitivity to EPO or any excipient, Active malignancy not receiving chemotherapy, Uncontrolled hypertension. Consult a qualified clinician before use.