Erythropoietin
Definition
Erythropoietin, which is also referred to by the names Epogen, Procrit, erythropoietin alfa, and EPO, is a medicine used to treat a low red blood cell count.
Purpose
Erythropoietin is a drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat low red blood cell counts called anemia. This anemia can be caused by cancer chemotherapy treatment, kidney failure, or a drug used to treat AIDs. Erythropoietin has also been used to increase the red blood cell count in patients who are anemic and scheduled to have surgery. This can decrease the risk of needing blood transfusions.
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