Erythropoietin can be synthesized and used as a treatment of some forms of anemia.

Initiate the synthesis of hemoglobin, the molecule within red blood cells that transports oxygen

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced by the kidney.

Erythropoietin is a vital hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to create red blood cells in the body.

Major & minor side effects for Erythropoietin

• pain at the injection site
• swelling
• high blood pressure
• fever
• nausea
• dizziness
• blood clots
• pulmonary embolism
• heart attack
• stroke

Healthy people who abuse ESA injections may be more at risk of these side effects, as the unnecessary increase of red blood cells may make the blood thicker and more prone to clotting.

In some cases of use among people with cancer, the ESA may cause the tumor to grow.

ESA injections are costly, which can be a barrier to treatment in some cases.

ESA injections also have the potential for abuse.