Name: Erythropoietin (Epoetin Alfa, Epogen)
Class: Immunostimulant
Mechanism: Stim. division/differentiation of erythroid progenitors in bone marrow.
Absorption:
Dist.:
Metabolism.:
Excretion, t½:
Toxicity/S.E.s: Usu. well-tolerated. Low incidence of hypertension, headache, seizures. Rare hypersensitivity rxns.
Utility: Treat anemia assoc. w/chronic renal failure, AZT therapy, cancer and chemotherapy. Supplemental iron eventually required in therapy.
Special Features: Manufactured by recombinant DNA technology. Identical to human erythropoietin.