Erythropoietin
Erythropoietin is a protein made mainly in the kidneys that stimulates the bone marrow to produce new red blood cells. Synthetic (man-made) erythropoietin may be used during cancer treatment to prevent anemia or to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant.
Erythropoietin also can be used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. It elevates or maintains the red blood cell level, decreasing the need for blood transfusions.
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine D.C. Mendelssohn, MD, FRCPC - Nephrology |
| Last Updated: November 13, 2007 | |
© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise discalims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use.