When does exogenous erythropoietin becomes necessary?

Kidney failure: Erythropoietin is commonly used in people with anemia due to kidney failure. Other uses include anemia associatid with hiv, chemotherapy and some types of bone marrow diease. It may also be used pre-surgically in certain selected patients. It has also been used improperly as a performance enhancing agent in competative sports.

When on chemo: Erythropoietin was introduced to help overcome severe anemia when chemo effects bone marrow to suppress HgB levels. It should only be given to patients on treatment whose level is below 8 gm. and then compromises patients ability to heal and introduces potential cardiac problems. Not for older patients with Hgb in normal range for them of 10gm