ERYPRO (Recombinant Human Erythropoietin)

What is Erythropoietin (EPO)?

Our kidneys make an important chemical substance (hormone) called Erythropoietin (EPO). Erythropoietin helps produce red blood cells in our body.

Why does anaemia occur in kidney disease patients?

The kidneys of patients with kidney disease do not make enough Erythropoietin leading to a drop in red blood cell count and anaemia (decreased hemoglobin). Further, patients who are undergoing regular dialysis lose some amount of blood contributing to anaemia.

How is anaemia due to kidney disease treated?

If anaemia is due to kidney failure, the patient will be treated with drugs like ERYPRO and Iron.

What is ERYPRO?

ERYPRO is a Recombinant Human Erythropoietin that is similar to natural hormone Erythropoietin and helps your body to make enough red blood cells leading to increased hemoglobin. ERYPRO will help to increase your work capacity, decrease tiredness and improve your quality of life.

How is ERYPRO administered?

It can be administered in the following ways:

• As an injection under the skin. This is called a subcutaneous injection (SC).
• Injected through the blood tubes during dialysis. This is called an intravenous injection-(IV).

What precautions should you take in storing ERYPRO?

ERYPRO should be stored in temperatures between 2-8 degrees Celsius. This is very important as the efficacy (effect) and potency completely depends on it. ERYPRO is to be stored in the door/ rack of a refrigerator and not be placed in the deep freezer.

How should you carry ERYPRO to the dialysis centre?

ERYPRO should be carried in the special carry case/ bag given to you. This carry case/ bag contains ice packs that help maintain the specified temperature required for ERYPRO.

Please make the ice packs/ plates provided solid cold and hard by keeping them in the deep freezer and then place those along with in the carry case/ bag.