Recombinant Human Erythropoietin (rHuEPO)

[BJJ]

Generic names: Epoetin alfa, Epoetin beta, Epoetin delta, Epoetin omega, Darbepoetin alfa.
Brand names: Epogen®, Procrit®, Eprex®, Recormon®, Dynepo®, Epomax®, Aranesp®.
Class: Antianemic drugs; a potential alternative to blood transfusion.

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a naturally occurring protein hormone produced by specialized cells in the kidneys. These cells are sensitive to the oxygen concentration in the blood, and increase the release of EPO when the oxygen concentration is low (hypoxia).

Since oxygen is carried by red blood cells, too few red blood cells (anemia) will result in erythropoietin release. EPO is a cytokine for stem cells in the bone marrow causing them to increase the production of erythrocytes (red blood cells). Recombinant erythropoietin is a therapeutic agent produced by DNA technology in mammalian cell culture.

Since the 1980s a synthetic form of erythropoietin, produced by DNA technology has become available. It is virtually identical to the naturally occurring hormone. There are five erythropoiesis-stimulating agents currently available; epoetin-alpha, epoetin-beta, epoetin-omega, epoetin-delta, and darbepoetin-alpha. These agents all have the same amino-acid sequence, but glycolysation varies as a result of type- and host cell specific differences in the production process. Darbepoetin-alpha is an erythropoietin analogue, carrying two additional glycolysation sites, which produces a longer half-life and potency.

EPOETIN ALFA
In 1983, the gene coding for EPO was identified, leading to its synthesis as epoetin-alfa by American genetic research corporation, Amgen, who patented the drug under the name Epogen. In 1989, another company, Ortho Biotech, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson, began marketing the drug under license as Procrit in the US, and Eprex in the rest of the world.
Epoetin-alfa is formulated as a colorless liquid in a solution of sodium chloride buffered with sodium citrate or sodium phosphate, and is packaged, for injection, in 1mL vials containing; either 2000, 3000, 4000, or 10,000 International Units (IU) of epoetin-alfa, 5.8 mg sodium citrate, 5.8 mg sodium chloride, and 0.06 mg citric acid in water.

EPOETIN BETA
In 1988, the German pharmaceutical company, Boehringer Mannheim (now
part of the Roche Group) produced its own recombinant erythropoietin; epoetin-beta, marketed as NeoRecormon.
Epoetin-beta (Recormon) comes in 1000 IU/0.3mL, 2000 IU/0.3mL, 3000IU/0.3mL, 4000 IU/0.3mL, 5000 IU/0.3mL, 6000 IU/0.3mL, 10,000 IU/0.6mL, and 30,000 IU/0.6mL solutions; and contains urea, sodium chloride, sodium phosphate, and water, in pre-filled syringes for injection. Not available in the USA. The clinical efficacy of both epoetin-alfa and epoetin-beta is similar.

DARBEPOETIN ALFA
In 2005, Amgen patented a new erythropoietic, darbepoetin alfa, under the brand name Aranesp® Although very similar to EPO, Aranesp®, when administered, has a longer active life than EPO and is approved for use in patients with chronic renal disease, whether or not they are on dialysis.

EPOETIN DELTA
This is one of the newest agents currently available. Called DYNEPO®, this agent is also produced by recombinant technology, from human cell lines. Currently marketed by Shire PLC, it is only available in the European Union. (Sanofi-aventis owns the rights to the product in the U.S., but is not producing it at this time.) DYNEPO® acts like other epoetins and is also indicated for anemia related to chronic kidney disease. It has received considerable attention in the sports world because DYNEPO® resembles human EPO and may not be detected by standard urine tests. A recent study by Spinowitz et al (Curr Med Res Opin 22:2507-13, 2006), comparing epoetin-alfa to delta, demonstrated the latter's efficacy for the correction of anemia; however, further studies are needed.



While erythropoietin itself is not a blood product, some brands of the synthetic form do have a very small amount of a blood fraction added to them. The epoetin-alfa formulation (Epogen®, Procrit®) contains 2.5 mg human serum albumin. The albumin first prevents the pharmaceutical from sticking to the vial, and then acts as a carrier molecule to help the EPO remain in the bloodstream until it reaches its destination at the bone marrow.

Two formulations of Eprex®, one of which replaces albumin with polysorbate as a stabilizer, are available in Canada and other countries. Recormon® is also albumin-free, with polysorbate being the stabilizer. Aranesp® comes in two formulations, one contains albumin; the other is albumin-free.

* Kidney disease patients:
Recombinant human erythropoietin was first approved as an adjunct in the treatment of kidney disease patients on hemodialysis, in whom anemia is an inevitability due to both the disease and the dialysis.

* AIDS patients:
Approval was also given for it to be given to AIDS patients on AZT (ziduvidene).

* Red cell production:
Its use is increasing in preoperative and postoperative settings to stimulate the surgical patient's red cell production.

* Acute surgical and post-op:
It may be of benefit in acute surgical settings, and may permit more rapid recovery in the post-op period. In particular, it may be a useful adjunct following perioperative hemodilution.

* Chemotherapy:
It is also gaining currency in the treatment of anemia secondary to chemotherapy for cancer.

* Blood transfusion alternative:
In many clinical settings EPO may be used to reduce or even eliminate the need for blood transfusion. It can be used in neonates for treatment of anemia of prematurity. Various clinical applications for EPO and a succinct historical perspective of erythropoietin are presented and discussed in research by T. Ng, et al. (2003).

* Other potential benefits:
There is evidence to show that, in addition to boosting RBC production, EPO may have a positive effect on platelet and leukocyte production. EPO has also demonstrated a tissue-protective ability, of particular benefit in chronic heart failure and neurological damage, and may benefit surgical and burn patients through its wound healing properties.

The American Medical Association (AMA) has estimated that as many as 40 percent of all prescriptions are issued for off-label use. Off-label prescribing is considered to be clinically beneficial and rational in certain life-threatening situations. However, off-label use can pose risks to patients in terms of adverse drug events as well as contribute to rising pharmaceutical costs.

The anti-anemic drugs erythropoietin and darbepoetin are costly, and there are significant off-label uses for these drugs, some of which are not supported with clinical evidence. They were, therefore, selected as study drugs for a multi-hospital study with the goals of quantification of the prevalence rate and appropriateness of off-label use of erythropoietin and darbepoetin across U.S. hospitals, and identification of possible predictors of off-label use from the domains of patient characteristics, physician specialty, hospital characteristics and drug characteristics.

The results of this study revealed that more than half of the utilization of the two erythropoietic drugs is for off-label purposes, the majority of which is supported with evidence. Among the covariates, physician specialty, patient age group, race, drug coverage and length of hospital stay were significant (0.05 level) predictors of off-label use (supported and unsupported) relative to on-label.

It is useful to understand the extent and appropriateness of off-label utilization in order to ensure safe and cost-effective use in patients. The availability of empirically derived knowledge on the national level could precipitate the promulgation of more meaningful post-marketing surveillance measures.

The optimal dosing regimen has yet to be defined. The authors of some studies favor lower doses such as 75 to 150 IU for every kilogram (u/kg) of body weight given daily or every other day. Others found that 600 u/kg given once a week was more effective. Nevertheless, the most commonly ordered dose is likely to be 300 u/kg three or four times a week. Thus, for a 70 kg patient, 60,000 IU per week would be ordered.

As mentioned earlier, epoetin alfa is administered by injection of 1 mL of a water-based solution which may contain a single dose of 2000, 3000, 4000, 10,000, or 40,000 units, along with other ingredients including albumin, based on treatment requirements and weight of patient. In addition, multidose injections may also be administered with 10,000 units or 20,000 units per 1 mL of injection solution. This is similar for the other forms of EPO. While the dosage of EPO is measured in what sounds to nonmedical persons like a very large amount (thousands of units), in actuality, the amount of liquid injected is very small, always in 1 mL increments, which means the units of epoetin alfa are very miniscule despite the high number of units per dose. To help in understanding the injection amount, a milliliter (mL) is a metric unit of volume equal to one thousandth of a liter; and 1 mL converted to American measurements is approximately 1/5th of a teaspoon; therefore, it is a very small amount of liquid injected at one time. Understanding these amounts no doubt will help alleviate some of the concern patients may have when hearing how much EPO they are to be given. It should be borne in mind that chronic diseases, such as renal failure, heart disease, diabetes, and inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, all contribute to anemia and all produce a blunted response to EPO therapy. A blunted response is also expected in the presence of infection. Hence, in all such cases the dosage should be increased.

Ortho Biotech holds the distribution rights for Zidovudine-treated HIV-infected Patients, Cancer Patients on Chemotherapy, Anemia of Chronic Renal Failure Patients not on Dialysis and Reduction of Allogeneic Blood Transfusion in Surgery Patients.

Amgen holds the distribution rights for treatment of Anemia of Chronic Renal Failure Patients on Dialysis. They provide indication and dosing information regarding EPOGEN®.

Amgen also holds the patent on Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa) which is indicated for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic renal failure (CRF), including patients on dialysis and patients not on dialysis, and for the treatment of anemia in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies where anemia is due to the effect of concomitantly administered chemotherapy. Because of the way Aranesp is made (unique and advanced molecular design, i.e., 2 additional sialic-acid-containing carbohydrate chains), patients need fewer shots and doctor visits.

For EPO therapy to be effective it should be supplemented with iron. Intravenous iron is more effective than oral iron, though iron dextran is inadvisable because of its known adverse reactions, including anaphylactic reactions.

Ferric gluconate or ferric sucrose are better tolerated by most patients. Here again, no universally agreed-upon dose has emerged, but many clinicians favor giving 100 mg one to three times per day. On the other hand, a recent study indicated that patients respond well to 500 mg given over 3 hours on two successive days with no adverse effects.

Already hypertensive patients may experience further elevation of blood pressure, and a minority of patients (perhaps 20-30%) with chronic renal failure may experience increased blood pressure, when given intravenous EPO. This is thought to be caused by the rapid increase in hematocrit. For the same reason, some patients may develop blood clots. These undesirable reactions are less common when the drug is administered subcutaneously. In general, elevated blood pressure can be managed with antihypertensive agents.

Recently Eprex® has been associated with incidences of pure red-cell aplasia, a condition which, though rare, can lead to permanent blood transfusion dependency.

Possible minor side effects include: diarrhea, dizziness, headache, itching, muscle aches and pains, nausea, pain at the site of injection, tiredness, or vomiting. These side effects usually diminish or disappear as the body adjusts to the medication.

Amgen study results released January 29, 2007 reflect higher mortality rates in use of Aranesp® in cancer patients with anemia not caused by chemotherapy. Amgen stresses need for caution in using this product within the dosage parameters stated on their approved product label.

The FDA has issued "black box" warnings regarding aggressive use of Aranesp, Epogen, and Procrit (link to article http://www.medpagetoday.com/ProductA...ptions/tb/5231).

So-called "EPO-doping" has become popular among some high performance athletes who inject it prior to a competition to boost their red blood cell count and thereby enhance their performance. Although previously undetectable, a test has been devised to catch athletes who adopt this illegal measure. The new epoetin-delta, DYNEPO, may not be detectable in the standard urine tests, and is of some concern to sports authorities.

EPO is the standard of care for many patients with anemia of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). For certain patients, such as those who produce antibodies to erythropoietin, who develop pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), or who develop arterial hypertension, treatment with any form of EPO is not appropriate. However, these patients may be given androgens (hormones) that have been shown to stimulate bone marrow function. Of course, as with any medicine, these substances are not without side effects of their own. One of the most widely used of these is nandrolone decanoate (NAND), which seems to be better tolerated with less dramatic side effects than other androgenics.

In some cases, intravenous iron without EPO appears to be as effective in correcting anemia.

Several new erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are currently in various stages of clinical trials in patients with chronic kidney disease:

* Continuous Erythropoiesis Receptor Activator (CERA), a third-generation erythropoiesis-stimulating agent that is closest to reaching the market.

* Erythropoietin-Mimetic Peptides, agents have the same mechanism of action as endogenous and recombinant erythropoietin, although they are structurally unrelated. One agent in this class, Hematide, is in phase 2 of clinical development.

* Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Stabilizer (HIF), a transcription factor that activates erythropoietin during hypoxic conditions and regulates iron absorption, metabolic response, and vasculogenesis.

[BJJ]

For those interested, I will be using Epoetin alfa either on my next blast cycle in a couple of weeks as well as in my third cycle next year along with AAS and HGH.

[lovbyts]

other than benefit in chronic heart failure and neurological damage, and may benefit surgical and burn patients through its wound healing properties; what types of benefits are you expecting to get out of it?

[stevey_6t9]

agreed.

you need to be careful posting these things up BJJ. alot of pro cyclists have died using it.

[BJJ]

other than benefit in chronic heart failure and neurological damage, and may benefit surgical and burn patients through its wound healing properties; what types of benefits are you expecting to get out of it?

3RD Cycle Set up, Suggestions?

[lovbyts]

3RD Cycle Set up, Suggestions?

The thread is impressive and you put a lot of work into it obviously. I read more and more about the risks of EPO but I still looking for what the benefits are??? Thus far the only thing I can find is: It used to promote red blood cell formation and is popular with endurance athletes.

[BJJ]

The thread is impressive and you put a lot of work into it obviously. I read more and more about the risks of EPO but I still looking for what the benefits are??? Thus far the only think I can find is: It used to promote red blood cell formation and is popular with endurance athletes.

That is what I need being a martial artist.
Those fights I need to take are close to one another and my increased weight will not permit me to fight properly, this is the reason for rEPO.

I already went above 220 lbs and I had problems to hold the fights for more than 5'.

[lovbyts]

OK makes sense. For most of us it's a little much and maybe risky like using slin.
It's a good read and is interesting but sometimes a simple explanation with the benefits and risks are needed for us more simple folks.
You obviously have done your research and homework.

[BJJ]

bump

[depfife]

A FEW pro cyclists... back in the 70's... They used it incorrectly!! That's like saying do not use asprin, because you might take the whole bottle and die from it... It is about as safe as anything else, it you know what you are doing...

agreed.

you need to be careful posting these things up BJJ. alot of pro cyclists have died using it.

[The Hyena]

can you specifically list how to do it correctly ?

thanks (not much info on it, ive been looking)

[BJJ]

can you specifically list how to do it correctly ?

thanks (not much info on it, ive been looking)

I need to know your stats and target as well as the reason for using rHuEPO.

[The Hyena]

ive found allot of good stuff but i would like to know from someone who actually has had results, thanks BJJ

hey man thanks for answering

im :
40 years old
180-185lbs
10% bodyfat
training for 15 years

I do Muay Thai and BJJ competitively

[jamix2010]

This is probably the best stuff you could take for sports requiring endurance. There are risks, but the biggest is probably losing your money from getting cheated online. Little too expensive for most recreational athletes to use too.

[BJJ]

ive found allot of good stuff but i would like to know from someone who actually has had results, thanks BJJ

hey man thanks for answering

im :
40 years old
180-185lbs
10% bodyfat
training for 15 years

I do Muay Thai and BJJ competitively

I assume you need it for stamina during your fights.
In this case, considering your stats I believe you do not need Erythropoietin, you are light unless you are under 5'10.

Anyway, I would advise you to tell me how you plan to use the drug and I will be happy to help you out with that.
I cannot setup an EPO cycle for you.

[BJJ]

This is probably the best stuff you could take for sports requiring endurance. There are risks, but the biggest is probably losing your money from getting cheated online. Little too expensive for most recreational athletes to use too.

Exactly, it is even more expensive than HG somatropin.

[The Hyena]

understandable, from the research that ive done ive come up with this

Day 1-14 1000iu-2000iu ED
Day 15-42 500iu-1000iu EOD

[The Hyena]

ps im 5'10"

[BJJ]

understandable, from the research that ive done ive come up with this

Day 1-14 1000iu-2000iu ED
Day 15-42 500iu-1000iu EOD

I would do:
1-14 2000 iu ed
15-42 1000 iu eod

Check your hematocrit after the first 2 weeks, do not let it go beyond 50%.
In that case, you may use aspirin to lower it but if unsuccessful you will need to stop the cycle.

[The Hyena]

Thank you for the help man !!!!

[depfife]

The real expert is Ellis Toussier... Read this article http://www.rajeun.net/bicycle.html I have used EPO successfully (and safely) for 4 years!

[razzyrazz]

What is a good price for epo?

[BJJ]

^^^
Read the rules, no price discussion allowed.

[runner39]

bjj and depfife, do you think epo could help me?

I was a runner till i was hit by a car while training nearly a year ago. Could the O2 help with healing?
Dont worry i won't ask about $$$$, but can i ask about dose.
Running is/was my life. I want it back. Ask me any ?'s you need. I am here to learn and better my quality of life.

39 yo
male
150#

[Forest]

Interesting info BJJ. With regards to dosage...seems like there are differing opinions:

http://forums.steroid.com/showthread...thropoietin%29 states the following: Ok...so how much do you take? I'd say you'll need about 8,000-10,000IU for 2 weeks. Thats it. You take it all at once over 2 weeks (maybe a little over 1,000IU or so per day for 14 days) and then thats it. Then, sometime in week 3, you'll start feeling the results...which will last...for 3-6 months! Yeah, you read that right.

Do you have any experience with the above dosage?

[Forest]

BJJ, One more point I would like to make: I am a competitive cyclist following years of contact sports (rugby) and past AS abuse. I just began HRT and am absolutely flabbergasted at the increased performance results on the bike. I attribute this to an increase in RBCs, primarily because it has been so fast and dramatic. There are strength gains for sure, but my metobolic system seems to have signifiicantly increased in capacity. Any thoughts?

[EZ E]

A FEW pro cyclists... back in the 70's... They used it incorrectly!! That's like saying do not use asprin, because you might take the whole bottle and die from it... It is about as safe as anything else, it you know what you are doing...

70's? Try 2003 and 2004. The problem w/ EPO is that as you become dehydrated your blood thickens naturally. With EPO and it can be hard to predict where your hemocrit will be as you lose water. If you are an elite level endurance athlete then you can weigh the risks, for everyone else it isn't worth it imo.

[depfife]

I was refering to the incident where almost an entire team died from it.... There are always be a few idiots that OD on just about ANYTHING!! Did you know an average of 750 people die every year from taking aspirin? Are you afraid to take aspirin EZ E ?... probaly not, for you probably don't take 100 of them..Plus, You can dehydrate and die even NOT on EPO!! It would be hard to predict how thick you blood is during ANY stage of dehydration!! EZ E... are you telling me that if I raise my hematocrit from my normal 40% to a more healthy 48% I have an abnormally high chance of dying from dehydration?... Approximately 25% of the people in the world have a 'normal" hematocrit at or above that level... Are they all dropping from thick blood? I think NOT!! For it takes severe dehydration to have problems at those percentages...EPO deaths come from Idiots who take it too far...want an extreme advantage... levels approaching 75%...
Bottom line... More O2 to your muscle tissue and brain is BETTER THAN LESS !! Provided you KNOW YOUR HEMATOCRIT LEVEL, AND IT IS WITHIN THE REALM OF NORMALITY!!!... how could ANYONE argue with that???

To runner 39... EPO (may) be good for you... Do you know what your current natural hematocrit level is?

70's? Try 2003 and 2004. The problem w/ EPO is that as you become dehydrated your blood thickens naturally. With EPO and it can be hard to predict where your hemocrit will be as you lose water. If you are an elite level endurance athlete then you can weigh the risks, for everyone else it isn't worth it imo.

[BJJ]

bjj and depfife, do you think epo could help me?

I was a runner till i was hit by a car while training nearly a year ago. Could the O2 help with healing?
Dont worry i won't ask about $$$$, but can i ask about dose.
Running is/was my life. I want it back. Ask me any ?'s you need. I am here to learn and better my quality of life.

39 yo
male
150#

Do not need rHuEPO at your age for those purposes.

Interesting info BJJ. With regards to dosage...seems like there are differing opinions:

http://forums.steroid.com/showthread...thropoietin%29 states the following: Ok...so how much do you take? I'd say you'll need about 8,000-10,000IU for 2 weeks. Thats it. You take it all at once over 2 weeks (maybe a little over 1,000IU or so per day for 14 days) and then thats it. Then, sometime in week 3, you'll start feeling the results...which will last...for 3-6 months! Yeah, you read that right.

Do you have any experience with the above dosage?

The above dosage is for a BB not for a martial artist... and my dosage was not enough for a runner.
It really depends what sport you are practising.

BJJ, One more point I would like to make: I am a competitive cyclist following years of contact sports (rugby) and past AS abuse. I just began HRT and am absolutely flabbergasted at the increased performance results on the bike. I attribute this to an increase in RBCs, primarily because it has been so fast and dramatic. There are strength gains for sure, but my metobolic system seems to have signifiicantly increased in capacity. Any thoughts?

If you are on HRT then I would use EQ and not rHuEPO.

[Forest]

If you are on HRT then I would use EQ and not rHuEPO. ....Why?

Secondly, I actually have acquired some EQ for the purposes of increasing RBC. Any suggestions on the minimum dosage needed to increase RBC count?

[depfife]

At any rate ... steroids have little effect on athletic endurance... EPO DOES!!! I am speaking from experience.. I have used both.. I have been a distance runner for 33 yrs. If the readers in here are afraid of EPO, then don't use it... All i can tell you is 1) My hematocrit was raised from 40% to 48% and I feel and preform GREAT!! 2) My doctor said my 48% hematocrit was very healthy. 3) even when seditary, breathing became way easier for me, and my mind is sharper. 4) I have done much research on EPO and Steroids. 5) All the runners in "my circle" share my views on EPO, because they also speak from experience. 6) To acheive the 48% level I am at, it took 120,000iu Epo over a two week period.... The "OD" level for me would have to be at least 450,000iu plus in a state of pretty serious dehydration. I mean... It would be impossible to fall off a cliff if you are 100 feet from the ledge! So, if you don't want to take EPO, then just hope I am not in your age group!!!
wishing everyone long life and good health..
-Depfife

[BJJ]

If you are on HRT then I would use EQ and not rHuEPO. ....Why?

Secondly, I actually have acquired some EQ for the purposes of increasing RBC. Any suggestions on the minimum dosage needed to increase RBC count?

Simply because EPO is much more dangerous then EQ and being on HRT you are supposed to inject testosterone , so the use of EQ can be done without problem. Try to use EQ without test for a while...
The minimum dosage could be 400 mg ew and above 800 mg ew would be a waste. I believe 600 mg ew is the correct choice for many.

[BJJ]

There is a little confusion here to me.

1. First, you need to know what kind of sport you are practising. This is an easy answer, I guess.

2. Second, if you fall into the "aerobic" section (constant heart bit rate: swimmers, runners, cyclists...), you may consider the usage of rHuEPO.

3. Third, if you fall into the "anaerobic" section (not constant heart bit rate: body builders, martial artists...), EQ is a better choice.

Plain and simple.

[depfife]

You hit the nail on the head BJJ... You are an asset to this forum !!

There is a little confusion here to me.

1. First, you need to know what kind of sport you are practising. This is an easy answer, I guess.

2. Second, if you fall into the "aerobic" section (constant heart bit rate: swimmers, runners, cyclists...), you may consider the usage of rHuEPO.

3. Third, if you fall into the "anaerobic" section (not constant heart bit rate: body builders, martial artists...), EQ is a better choice.

Plain and simple.

[depfife]

Everyone in here wants better quality of life, yet done with knowledge and most of all SAFETY!!!

[Forest]

Thanks BJJ...very informative stuff for those looking to enhance athletic performance rather than just "getting big"....Not that there is anything wrong with that

Simply because EPO is much more dangerous then EQ and being on HRT you are supposed to inject testosterone , so the use of EQ can be done without problem. Try to use EQ without test for a while...
The minimum dosage could be 400 mg ew and above 800 mg ew would be a waste. I believe 600 mg ew is the correct choice for many.

Anyway, have you experimented with lower doses of EQ (200 mg ew) for the sole purpose of increasing RBC?

[BJJ]

Thanks BJJ...very informative stuff for those looking to enhance athletic performance rather than just "getting big"....Not that there is anything wrong with that

Simply because EPO is much more dangerous then EQ and being on HRT you are supposed to inject testosterone , so the use of EQ can be done without problem. Try to use EQ without test for a while...
The minimum dosage could be 400 mg ew and above 800 mg ew would be a waste. I believe 600 mg ew is the correct choice for many.

Anyway, have you experimented with lower doses of EQ (200 mg ew) for the sole purpose of increasing RBC?

No I did not experience it that low but I do believe it would be way too less.

[DCannon]

I'm getting prescribed some Aranesp today by my nephrologist. My hemoglobin level was 82g/L (ref. 135-175) last week.

[DCannon]

Just started last night with my first dose of Aranesp. 40mcg IV. Hopefully this helps.

[Vullfromsc]

BJJ,

I have a friend who is a D1 collegiate cross country runner, looking to do a cycle of EPO.. his stats are 5'7" 125lb 3-4%BF (these are his stats during the season) running around 90-100 miles per week.. very serious about his nutrition and training.. his pr time last season for a 10k race was 29:52. He is looking to win nationals in 2011 and compete at the olympic level potentiall in the future. he IS going to use epo before this year's season, I have been advising him on dosing but am not 100% sure on what someone his size would take. any input?