A genetically engineered preparation of the hormone erythropoietin, which is produced by specialized cells in the kidneys and stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells. Epoetin may be used for treating anaemia resulting from the lack of erythropoetin that occurs in kidney failure. It is also used for anaemia occurring in chronic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and itching associated with uraemia.
(recombinant human erythropoietin) n. any of four forms of *erythropoietin produced by genetic engineering – epoetin alfa, epoetin beta, epoetin theta, or epoetin zeta – used for treating anaemia associated with chronic renal failure or induced by chemotherapy. Darbepoetin alfa and methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta are derivatives of epoetin with similar uses but longer duration of action. Side-effects include diarrhoea, raised blood pressure, headache, and flulike symptoms.
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