Erythropoietin
Description
Erythropoietin is a medicine that mimics the activity of Erythropoietin (a type of protein present in your body responsible for the production of red blood cells). This medicine helps to treat anaemia caused due to kidney conditions or cancer chemotherapy. It is also used to treat anaemia caused by taking HIV medicines. It works by increasing the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow (soft tissue inside the bones where blood is made).
Erythropoietin shows common side effects such as difficulty sleeping, itching or rash, blood vessel blockage, mouth pain, trouble swallowing, headache, etc. These side effects usually subside with time. However, consult your doctor for further assistance if they persist or worsen. Avoid driving vehicles or operating heavy machines while taking this medication as it can cause dizziness or fainting.
Erythropoietin is given by a qualified medical practitioner, therefore, do not self-administer it. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and duration of the therapy based on your clinical condition. Abrupt discontinuation of this medicine may worsen your condition.
Erythropoietin is not recommended if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor about all the medicines and supplements you are taking as this medicine can interact with them and result in side effects. If you have any pre-existing liver problems, then inform your doctor about them. If you are pregnant or are breastfeeding, then consult your doctor before taking Erythropoietin. It is not recommended in children below 5 years of age as the safety and efficacy of its use have not been established.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Erythropoietin
- Blurred vision
- Bone pain
- Dry mouth
- Anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pain or cramps
Uses of Erythropoietin
What is it prescribed for?
- Anaemia associated with chronic kidney disease
- Anaemia associated with chemotherapy
- Before surgery
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for Erythropoietin to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which Erythropoietin remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Erythropoietin.
- Usage in pregnancy?Erythropoietin is not recommended during pregnancy due to the increased risk of side effects to the foetus. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Erythropoietin is not recommended during breastfeeding due to the increased risk of side effects on your child. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
Uncontrolled hypertension
Erythropoietin is not recommended if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure as it may worsen your condition.
Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA)
Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a type of anaemia that happens when your bone marrow doesn't produce the normal number of red blood cells. Erythropoietin should not be used if you have PRCA as it may worsen the condition.
Serious Allergic Reactions
Erythropoietin should be immediately discontinued if you experience serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic reactions (life-threatening allergic reactions), angioedema (a hives-like condition causing swelling underneath the skin), bronchospasm (tightening of muscles that lines the airways in your lungs leading difficulty to breathe), skin rash, and urticaria ((hives or a skin rash stimulated due to food, medicine, or other irritants).
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Erythropoietin is not recommended during pregnancy due to the increased risk of side effects to the foetus. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
Breast-feeding
Erythropoietin is not recommended during breastfeeding due to the increased risk of side effects on your child. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.
General warnings
Heart disease or high blood pressure
Erythropoietin should be taken with caution if you have a heart condition such as a heart attack (sudden interruption of blood to the heart) or high blood pressure, as it can worsen your condition. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
Stroke
Erythropoietin should be taken with caution if you have a stroke (a blockage of blood flow to the brain), as it can worsen your condition. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
Blood clot
Erythropoietin should be taken with caution if you have a blood clot (mass of blood that forms when platelets or other blood cells stick together), as it can worsen your condition. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
Seizure disorder
Erythropoietin should be taken with caution if you have fits/seizures, as it can worsen your condition. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
Phenylketonuria
Phenylketonuria is the accumulation of the amino acid phenylalanine in the body leading to brain and nerve damage. Erythropoietin should be taken with caution if you have phenylketonuria, as it can worsen your condition. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
Kidney disease
Erythropoietin should be taken with caution if you have a kidney condition, as it can worsen your condition. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor.
Missed Dose
Since Erythropoietin is given in the hospital or clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of a missed dose is very low.
Overdose
Since Erythropoietin is given in the hospital or clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. If an overdose is suspected, your doctor will initiate emergency medical treatment.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Carfilzomib
Thalidomide
Lenalidomide
Belzutifan
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Erythropoietin is usually given in the clinical/hospital setting under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
Inform your doctor if you have an allergy to this medicine.
Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your kidney function while you are on treatment with this medicine.
Report all your current medicines as well as your medical conditions to your doctor before receiving this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Erythropoietin is a man-made protein. It works by increasing the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow (soft tissue inside the bones where blood is made).
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)
Schedule
Schedule H
Epoetin Alfa, injection: Medlineplus Drug Information (no date) MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at: (Accessed: November 30, 2022).
Food and Drug Administration (no date). Available at: (Accessed: November 30, 2022).
Information on this page was last updated on 5 Jan 2023
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.