Most patients respond well to EPO treatment.

The effectiveness of EPO treatment for anaemia is evaluated by measuring the levels of haemoglobin (Hb), the oxygen carrying part of the red blood cell.

Normal haemoglobin levels are 11-15 g/dL (grams per decilitre) in women and 13-16 g/dL in men.

The aim of treatment is to raise the haemoglobin level in the blood to between 10 and 12 g/dL.

The effectiveness of EPO depends on how much you are given and your state of health.

Generally, the higher or more frequent the dose, the higher your blood haemoglobin level will go, although too high an Hb can cause problems.

However if there are other conditions present, such as infection, under-dialysis, renal bone disease, or iron deficiency, patients may have a poor response to EPO treatment.

If EPO stops working the haemoglobin level may drop as low as 6-8 g/dL and the symptoms of anaemia will return. If you experience symptoms of anaemia while on EPO, you should contact your doctor.