How Do Recombinant Human Erythropoietins Work?

Recombinant human erythropoietins are erythropoiesis-stimulating agents used for the treatment of anemia resulting from chronic kidney disease and treatment for cancer or HIV infection. These drugs stimulate the production of red blood cells (RBCs) in the bone marrow by continuously activating the erythropoietin receptors, resulting in increased RBCs in the blood; therefore, anemia is treated without the need for blood transfusions.

Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by interstitial cells within the kidney. Whenever the oxygen levels decrease in the body, this hormone stimulates the precursor cells in bone marrow to produce RBCs. The production of erythropoietin decreases in patients with CKD which causes anemia.

Recombinant human erythropoietins are used to treat anemia due to:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Chemotherapy
• HIV treatment with zidovudine
• Patients with anemia undergoing some type of elective surgery

Side effects of recombinant human erythropoietins may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Injection site reactions
• Hypertension
• Cough
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pains
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Vascular occlusion
• Chest pain
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reactions)

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of recombinant human erythropoietin drugs include:

• Epoetin alfa
• Epoetin alfa-epbx
• Epogen
• Eprex
• Erythropoietin
• Procrit
• Retacrit