Drug description Erythropoetin is used to treat anemia associated with HIV infection or AZT therapy.
Anemia is a condition due to a low number of red blood cells.
Erythropoetin is a natural hormone secreted by the kidneys that acts on the bone marrow to stimulate production of red blood cells. Recombinant EPO is a synthetic version of this hormone. EPO is generally well tolerated. Side effects can include chest pain, swelling due to retention of fluid, fast heart beat, headache, high blood pressure, increase in number and concentration of circulating red blood cells, seizures, shortness of breath, skin rash, pain in joints, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, or flu-like syndrome after each dose. Dosage EPO must be injected.