Practical approach to initiation of recombinant human erythropoietin therapy and prevention and management of adverse effects.

Therapy with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) can reverse anemia and improve the quality of life in anemic hemodialysis patients. However, therapy is costly and must be used efficiently. An initial rHuEPO dose less than 50 U/kg intravenously three times weekly may be adequate to achieve a hematocrit of 30-33% in many patients. Acquired iron deficiency is a common problem during rHuEPO therapy and must be prevented with oral and parenteral iron replacement to maintain the efficacy of rHuEPO. Patients should be monitored carefully for additional problems including: an increase in blood pressure; onset of seizures or headaches; increased blood potassium, phosphate, and creatinine concentrations; enhanced coagulability resulting in dialyzer and vascular access clotting; and myalgias with a 'flu-like' syndrome.