Epoetin Alfa
Epoetin Alfa is a recombinant form of erythropoietin that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. It is primarily used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy, or other conditions that result in low red blood cell counts. This medication is administered by injection and requires regular monitoring of hemoglobin levels.
Epoetin Alfa is a synthetic hormone that stimulates red blood cell production to treat anemia.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 105694
- Generic
- Epoetin Alfa
- Class
- unclassified
- Brands
- Epogen, Retacrit, Procrit
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treats anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, cancer chemotherapy, zidovudine in HIV patients, and may be used to reduce transfusion requirements in surgical patients.
Binds to erythropoietin receptors on bone marrow progenitor cells, stimulating differentiation and proliferation of red blood cell precursors to increase red blood cell production.
Requires regular hemoglobin monitoring to avoid overcorrection; may increase risk of cardiovascular events, blood clots, and tumor progression in some patients; administered via subcutaneous or intravenous injection.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy