Examples
|
| darbepoetin alfa | Aranesp |
| epoetin alfa | Epogen, Procrit |
Erythropoietin stimulators can be given two ways. They may
be injected into a vein with an intravenous (IV) needle or injected under the
skin (subcutaneous). Talk to your doctor about which way is best for you.
How It Works
Erythropoietin stimulators cause the bone
marrow to produce more red blood cells, and they decrease your need for blood
transfusions. Anemia often occurs because of a decrease in
erythropoietin, a protein produced by the kidneys.
Injections of erythropoietin stimulators replace this protein.
Why It Is Used
Erythropoietin stimulators replace the
erythropoietin normally made by the kidneys. Therapy with erythropoietin
stimulators may be used to treat anemia:
- During
hemodialysis. This is the most common use of this
therapy. The use of erythropoietin stimulators in people receiving hemodialysis
has almost eliminated the need for
blood transfusions.
- When chronic kidney
disease is present but kidney failure has not yet developed. Treatment with
erythropoietin stimulators may delay the need to start dialysis. It improves
anemia in most people who have not started dialysis.
How Well It Works
Erythropoietin stimulators treat
anemia by increasing the number of new red blood cells your body makes. This
may decrease your need for blood transfusions. Your dose of an erythropoietin
stimulator may need to be adjusted so that you can keep a certain red blood cell count
or level.
Things that may make this therapy less effective
include:
- Too little iron in the blood (iron deficiency). This is the most common reason that
erythropoietin stimulators may not be effective. Iron deficiency can be treated
with oral or intravenous iron (iron therapy) to increase the amount of iron in
your blood.
- Infection.
- Decreased sensitivity to
erythropoietin.
- High levels of aluminum in your body, which may
interfere with your ability to use iron.
- Dialysis procedures that
are not removing enough fluids or wastes from your body (inadequate
dialysis).
- Too little protein in the diet (protein
malnutrition).
Side Effects
High blood pressure can develop during treatment with
erythropoietin stimulators.
It may be
dangerous to use erythropoietin stimulators to increase your red blood cell
(hemoglobin) levels above 12 g/dL. Hemoglobin levels that are too high may
increase your risk for death, heart failure, heart attack, and stroke. Talk
with your doctor about your concerns. And keep all your appointments for blood
tests.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side
effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Most people do not have problems
with erythropoietin stimulators. They can help improve how well you feel and
increase your appetite, energy, and activity levels. The use of erythropoietin
stimulators may also delay the need for dialysis, improve some heart problems,
and increase your life span.
Erythropoietin therapy is expensive.
Your doctor may need to make adjustments in your dose to find the amount that
gives you the most benefit but costs the least.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Mitchell H. Rosner, MD - Nephrology |
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| Last Revised | October 12, 2009 |
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