Erythropoietin
Pronunciation: (eh-rith-row-POY-eh-tin).
- Generic name
- Erythropoietin
- Brand names
- Erykine, Epogen, Erypo, Retacrit, Wepox, NeoRecormon
- Drug class
- Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent (ESA)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: India
Australia: · Full directory
What Erythropoietin is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Erythropoietin works
Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein hormone that stimulates erythropoiesis by binding to erythropoietin receptors on erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. This promotes proliferation and differentiation of these cells into mature red blood cells, increasing oxygen-carrying capacity. (1)
What Erythropoietin is used for
Anemia of chronic kidney disease
Anemia of chronic kidney disease (2)
Chemotherapy-induced anemia
Chemotherapy-induced anemia (2)
Anemia in myelodysplastic syndromes
Anemia in myelodysplastic syndromes (2)
Reduction of allogeneic red blood cell transfusions in elective, noncardiac, nonvascular surgery
The FDA-labeled scope for this indication is specifically elective noncardiac, nonvascular surgery, not surgery in general; the DB record's broader wording has been narrowed to match the approved scope. (2)
Before taking Erythropoietin
Do not take / not appropriate for
- uncontrolled hypertension, known hypersensitivity to erythropoietin or excipients, and pure red cell aplasia after prior erythropoietin therapy. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Erythropoietin
- General Instructions: Erythropoietin is administered by injection, either under the skin (subcutaneous) or into a vein (intravenous). Your healthcare provider will determine the best route and schedule for you.. Adult Dosing: Dosing is individualized based on your condition, hemoglobin levels, and response. For chronic kidney disease, initial doses typically range from 50 to 100 units/kg three times weekly, adjusted as needed.. Pediatric Dosing: Children's dosing is weight-based and determined by the treating physician. Close monitoring is required.. Administration: Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for injection technique. Do not shake the vial or syringe. Rotate injection sites if given subcutaneously.. When To Stop: Do not stop using erythropoietin without your doctor's advice. Treatment may be stopped if hemoglobin rises too high or if serious side effects occur.. Storage: Store in the refrigerator (2°C–8°C/36°F–46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Use within the expiry date.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider for instructions. Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention. Overdose may cause dangerously high hemoglobin levels, increased risk of blood clots, or high blood pressure. Supportive care and close monitoring are required. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Hypertension
Incidence: Up to 27.7% in chronic kidney disease/dialysis patients
Thrombosis / vascular occlusion
Incidence: Up to 8.1% in dialysis patients; up to 6% (DVT) in surgery patients
Headache / dizziness
Incidence: Dizziness up to 9.5% in dialysis patients
Nausea
Incidence: Up to 35% in chemotherapy patients; up to 47% in surgery patients
Vomiting
Incidence: Up to 20% in chemotherapy patients; up to 21% in surgery patients
Fever (pyrexia)
Incidence: Up to 10.1% in dialysis patients; up to 42% in HIV/zidovudine-related use
Joint or muscle pain (arthralgia/myalgia)
Incidence: Up to 16.2% (arthralgia, dialysis) and up to 10% (myalgia/arthralgia, chemotherapy patients)
Allergic reactions
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Signs of a blood clot (leg swelling/pain, chest pain, shortness of breath), signs of a heart attack or stroke, or severe headache
Incidence: Serious — see the boxed warning
Serious warnings
BOXED WARNING — serious
Symptoms: BOXED WARNING: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) like this medicine increase the risk of death, heart attack, stroke, venous thromboembolism, blood-clotting of vascular access, and tumor progression or recurrence. In chronic kidney disease, targeting a hemoglobin level above 11 g/dL increases these risks with no identified safe target — the lowest effective dose that reduces the need for transfusion is used. In cancer, ESAs have shortened survival and increased tumor progression/recurrence in some cancer types (breast, non-small-cell lung, head/neck, lymphoid, cervical); the lowest dose necessary is used and treatment is stopped after chemotherapy ends. Around surgery, ESA use increases the risk of blood clots (DVT), so clot-prevention measures are used.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
May increase risk of serious cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, blood clots) — serious
Symptoms: May increase risk of serious cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, blood clots). Monitor blood pressure regularly; may worsen hypertension. Do not use to increase hemoglobin above recommended targets. Risk of pure red cell aplasia (rare but serious). Use with caution in cancer patients; may affect tumor progression or survival.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications include uncontrolled hypertension, known hypersensitivity to erythropoietin or excipients, and pure red cell aplasia after prior erythropoietin therapy. Use with caution in patients with a history of seizures, cardiovascular disease, or malignancy. Monitor for increased risk of thromboembolic events and tumor progression in cancer patients.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Formal interaction studies | No formal drug-drug interaction studies have been conducted for this medicine. The cautions below are precaution-based (from overlapping risk or pharmacology), not confirmed formal interactions. | (2) |
| Drugs that affect blood pressure, anticoagulants, and certain chemotherapy agents | Erythropoietin may interact with drugs that affect blood pressure, anticoagulants, and certain chemotherapy agents. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. Iron supplementation may be required for optimal response. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C. Avoid multidose vials, which contain benzyl alcohol as a preservative; use a single-dose, preservative-free vial if treatment is needed. Animal studies showed adverse fetal effects at clinically-equivalent doses, and human data are limited, so this medicine should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, under a healthcare provider's guidance. (2)
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether this medicine is excreted into breast milk. Multidose vials (containing benzyl alcohol) should be avoided; a single-dose, preservative-free vial should be used with caution if treatment is needed while breastfeeding, under a healthcare provider's guidance. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children. (2)
Renal_impairment
No dedicated hepatic-impairment dosing data were found in either source reviewed for this research pass. This medicine's core approved use is anemia caused by chronic kidney disease, and dosing is individualized to hemoglobin response and monitored closely in that population rather than following a fixed renal-function-based adjustment table. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
No dedicated hepatic-impairment dosing data were found in either source reviewed for this research pass. This medicine's core approved use is anemia caused by chronic kidney disease, and dosing is individualized to hemoglobin response and monitored closely in that population rather than following a fixed renal-function-based adjustment table. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store unused portions in the refrigerator (2°C-8°C/36°F-46°F). Do not shake, do not freeze, and protect from light. Discard multidose vial contents 21 days after first use. Use within the expiry date.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Anemia of chronic kidney disease
Dose summary: Initial dose of 50 to 100 units/kg administered subcutaneously or intravenously three times weekly; individualize the maintenance dose to the lowest amount that reduces the need for transfusion; monitor hemoglobin weekly initially, then monthly once stable.
Renal context: This medicine's core approved use is anemia caused by chronic kidney disease; dosing is individualized to hemoglobin response rather than a fixed creatinine-clearance-based table. Targeting a hemoglobin level above 11 g/dL increases cardiovascular risk with no identified safe target (see boxed warning) — the lowest effective dose is used. (1) (2)
General
Indication: Chemotherapy-induced anemia
Dose summary: 40,000 Units subcutaneously once weekly, OR 150 Units/kg subcutaneously three times weekly. Reduce the dose by 25% if hemoglobin rises more than 1 g/dL in any 2-week period or reaches a level needed to avoid transfusion. Discontinue after completion of the chemotherapy course.
Renal context: No dedicated renal-adjustment table found for this indication in the sources reviewed; use the lowest dose needed to avoid transfusion per the boxed warning. (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is erythropoietin used for?
Erythropoietin is used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy, certain HIV treatments, or to reduce the need for blood transfusions in surgery.
How is erythropoietin given?
It is given as an injection, either under the skin (subcutaneous) or into a vein (intravenous), as directed by your healthcare provider.
What are the most common side effects?
Common side effects include headache, joint pain, mild swelling, and injection site reactions. Serious side effects can include high blood pressure and blood clots.
How often do I need blood tests while on erythropoietin?
Frequent blood tests are needed to monitor your hemoglobin levels and adjust your dose to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Can I use erythropoietin during pregnancy?
Erythropoietin should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Contact your healthcare provider for instructions. Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed one.
Does erythropoietin cure anemia?
Erythropoietin helps manage anemia by increasing red blood cell production, but it does not cure the underlying cause of anemia.
What happens if I take too much Erythropoietin?
Taking too much Erythropoietin can lead to dangerously high red blood cell counts, increasing the risk of serious cardiovascular events like blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. Symptoms may include severe headache, dizziness, or chest pain. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical help immediately to receive appropriate treatment and prevent life-threatening complications.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Erythropoietin?
While there isn't a direct contraindication for alcohol consumption with Erythropoietin, it's generally advisable to limit or avoid alcohol. Alcohol can potentially worsen some side effects, such as headaches or fatigue. Furthermore, excessive alcohol intake can impair liver function, which might indirectly affect the body's response to the medication. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Is Erythropoietin safe during pregnancy?
Erythropoietin's safety during pregnancy is not fully established, and it is generally categorized as 'Consult doctor.' Animal studies have shown varying results, and there are limited adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, it should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Always consult your healthcare provider to discuss the risks and benefits.
What is the mechanism of action of Erythropoietin?
Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein hormone that stimulates erythropoiesis by binding to erythropoietin receptors on erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. This promotes proliferation and differentiation of these cells into mature red blood cells, increasing oxygen-carrying capacity. (1)
What is the generic name of Erythropoietin?
The generic name is Erythropoietin. It is sold under brand names including Erykine, Epogen, Erypo, Retacrit, Wepox, NeoRecormon.
What class of drug is Erythropoietin?
Erythropoietin is classed as: Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent (ESA).
References
- Erythropoietin clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · Internal · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- PROCRIT (epoetin alfa) injection, solution – labelU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · dated 2026 · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- PROCRIT (ERYTHROPOIETIN) INJECTION, SOLUTION [JANSSEN PRODUCTS, LP] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Epoetin Alfa, Injection — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- PROCRIT — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA BLA103234)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Erythropoietin — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 105694)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Erythropoietin names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
India
- Epofit10000 IU/1 mL · Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Anfoe4000 IU, 6000 IU, 10000 IU · La Renon Healthcare Pvt Ltd
- Vintor4000 IU, 6000 IU, 10000 IU · Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Renocrit10000 IU/1 mL · Zydus Lifesciences Limited