Recombinant erythropoietin for zidovudine-induced anemia in AIDS.
Recombinant erythropoietin (Epogen, Amgen Pharmaceuticals; Procrit, Amgen Pharmaceuticals, distributed by Ortho Biotech) is approved for use in anemia associated with HIV infection and treatment. The recommended starting dose is 100 IU/kg iv or sc 3 times per week. Current evidence suggests that anemia in zidovudine-treated patients may be a result of insufficient quantities of erythropoietin, bone marrow unresponsiveness to the hormone, or HIV infection. Among patients receiving zidovudine, a review of the available data suggests that baseline serum erythropoietin concentrations may aid in predicting the response to exogenous hormone administration.
Kuehl
A K
AK
Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA.
Noormohamed
S E
SE
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000740:Anemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015215:Zidovudine / Q000009:adverse effects*
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin; D015215:Zidovudine