Renal Anemia

I have a kidney ailment leading to chronic anemia for which my doctor prescribed regular epoetin injection. I observed significant improvement in hemoglobin level whenever I take the injection..However, the drug is difficult to come by even at very high costs. I also learnt that long time usage of the drug could precipitate abnormal growth.
Please, are there natural or other sources from which traces of epoetin compounds could be taken or derived as alternative to the drug?
Thanks for the support.

[kimscradle]

I have kidney disease aand suffer from the anemia problem.  my hemoglobin is always around 8.5 even tho I receive the shot each week.  I am currently searching for a cause for why my anemia doesn't go up  (either I am bleeding somewhere or the bone marrow isn't working right...)   anyway.....I would like to be able to get a transfusion so that I didn't have to go weekly for a shot that may  not be necessary if I get the transfusion.....at least for awhile....maybe that is a solution for you.  I have been told that without my going to the office for the shot, it would cost me 100$ a week at the pharmacy even with my insurance.....and I don't worry about growth, but blood pressure as a problem with getting the shot.......could the transfusion be a solution?

[xxbowiexx]

since your doctor is given you regular epoetin injection, my guess is that your body is lacking erythropoeitin, thus leads to a low reticulocyte count.  The lack of erythropoeitin protein is probably due to your kidney ailment.  There are several normal supplements for anemia such as iron pills, vitamin B12, or folic acid.  However, these supplements are only useful when there's a deficiency in the body that pertains to it. They should not be taken without careful consult with your docs because it can be poisonous in high dosage.  I'm not sure of a particular homeopathic remedy to improve the erythropoeitin in your body.  perhaps someone else might be able to help you.  

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

How are you? Erythropoietin, is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the kidney that controls erythropoiesis, or red blood cell production. It allows avoidance of blood transfusions, reduction in the risk of sensitization, prevention of iron overload and improved exercise tolerance, cognitive capacity, sexual function and quality of life. One article shows an alternative to EPO such as in the case of androgen.  Results of prospective randomized studies show that androgens are useful, and not only as adjunctive therapy in combination with EPO and may also be used alone as treatment of renal anemia in select patients.
(ref: http://ndt.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/18/11/2222)

Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor and if it is suited in your case. Take care and regards.