Erythropoietin

darbepoetin alfa (long acting)

Aranesp (long acting)

erythropoietin

Epogen, Procrit

MGEG epoetin beta (very long acting)

Mircera (very long acting)

erythropoietin uses

•Act on bone marrow to increase production of RBC's •Used for anemia r/t chronic renal failure, use of Retrovir in clients with HIV infections, chemotherapy and elective surgery •Contraindicated in clients with uncontrolled HTN •Pts. At risk for DVT

erythropoietin adverse effects

•Hypertension secondary to elevated hematocrit level •Increased risk for MI or stroke with Hgb level > 12 g/dl

erythropoietin nursing implications

•Obtain baseline BP •Given SQ or IV bolus •DO NOT mix med with any other medication in syringe •Dosing is usually 3/week, but may be one/week •Monitor client's iron level •Monitor Hgb and Hct •Longer acting forms are given less frequently •Therapeutic outcome can be measured via Hgb level of 10-12 g/dL and Hct of 40%