Not medical advice. This site is general information only. In an emergency call your local emergency number. For advice about your own health, speak to a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified health professional.
Epoetin Alfa
About Epoetin Alfa
A recombinant form of erythropoietin, the hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. Epoetin alfa or Epogen treats anemia from kidney disease, chemotherapy, and other causes. It revolutionized management of chronic kidney disease anemia, reducing transfusion needs. The drug is also abused by athletes for blood doping to enhance endurance. Epoetin carries risks of blood clots, heart attacks, and tumor progression if hemoglobin is raised too high. Erythropoiesis stimulating agents are on the WHO essential medicines list.
Related Medications
Penicillin
Discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928 when mold contaminated his petri dish. Penicillin revolutionized medic...
Amoxicillin
A semisynthetic penicillin antibiotic that is widely prescribed for children and adults. Amoxicillin is absorb...
Azithromycin
A macrolide antibiotic with a long half life that permits infrequent dosing and short treatment courses. The Z...
Doxycycline
A tetracycline antibiotic used for a remarkably wide range of conditions. Doxycycline treats acne, Lyme diseas...