Erythropoietin. A new frontier.

After more than 25 years of research and technology, a new product has recently been developed for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic renal failure in dialysis-dependent patients with end-stage renal disease. The availability of erythropoietin offers several advantages over other forms of treatment, such as red blood cell transfusions and androgens. This article describes the composition of erythropoietin, administration techniques, considerations for dosing, patient monitoring criteria, and patient education for those who receive it.