Erythropoietin

ATC code
B03XA01
Therapeutic class
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) · Recombinant glycoprotein hormone
Forms
injectable solution
Brand names
PROCRIT (US) · Eprex (EU) · Binocrit (EU) · Retacrit (EU)
Overall confidence
high

Regulatory sources consulted

Approved indications

Contraindications

Absolute

  • Uncontrolled hypertension.
  • Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that begins after treatment with erythropoietin.
  • Serious allergic reactions to the product.
  • Multiple-dose vials containing benzyl alcohol are contraindicated in neonates, infants, pregnant women, and lactating women.

Clinical warnings

Adverse events

Common (≥1%)

hypertension · arthralgia · pyrexia · nausea · vomiting · headache · cough · injection site pain · muscle spasm

Rare but serious

myocardial infarction · stroke · venous thromboembolism · tumor progression · pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) · seizures · severe cutaneous reactions

Pregnancy and lactation

Multiple-dose vials containing benzyl alcohol are contraindicated in pregnant women. When therapy is needed during pregnancy, use a benzyl alcohol-free formulation (i.e., single-dose vial).

Recent literature (PubMed)