Erythropoietin

Erythropoietin: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Stimulates division and differentiation of RBCs.

Uses of Erythropoietin

• Recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) is predominantly used to treat anaemia associated with chronic renal failure and cats with FeLV-associated anaemia.

Dose of Erythropoietin in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

• For stimulating erythropoiesis (induction dose):
  Epoetin alfa/beta: 100 IU/kg i.v., s.c. 3 times/week until PCV is at the lower end of the target range, then gradually reduce the frequency of dosing to maintain this PCV (typical maintenance dose is 50–100 IU/ kg once to twice a week).
• Dose changes should only be made at 3-weekly intervals.

Side Effects of Erythropoietin in Dogs and Cats

• Local and systemic allergic reactions may rarely develop (skin rash at the injection site, pyrexia, arthralgia and mucocutaneous ulcers).
• The production of cross-reacting antibodies to r-HuEPO occurs in 20% to 70% of treated dogs and cats 4 weeks or more after treatment.
• These antibodies reduce the efficacy of the drug and can cause pure red cell aplasia.
• The drug should be discontinued if this develops.

Contraindications of Erythropoietin in Dogs and Cats

• Conditions where high serum concentrations of erythropoietin already exist (e.g. haemolytic anaemia, anaemia due to blood loss), where the anaemia is due to iron deficiency or where uncontrolled systemic hypertension is present.

Some Notes:

No information available