Epoetin alfa is a human erythropoietin. Erythropoietin (EPO) is produced naturally in the body by the kidneys. Erythropoietin (EPO) stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. If the body does not produce enough EPO, severe anemia can result. Which occurs in patients with chronic kidney disease, or whose kidneys are not working properly.
Epoetin alfa is used to treat severe anemia in patients on kidney dialysis or who are not on dialysis.
Epoetin alfa may also be used to prevent or treat anemia that is caused by medicines (eg, zidovudine) or surgery that are used for conditions such as cancer or HIV.