Metabolic adjuvants to erythropoietin therapy

It is possible to potentiate the response to epoetin by co-administering ot her agents. In some instances, this response is seen when there is a defici ency of a certain substance, In other cases, administration of an adjuvant such as intravenous iron, vitamin D, L-carnitine, or androgens can enhance the response to epoetin when given as a surfeit. With most of these agents, with perhaps the exception of intravenous iron, further research is requir ed to determine the exact role they may play in clinical practice. As long as the cost of epoetin therapy remains fairly high, the challenge will cont inue as to the best way of optimizing its effect, and we can look forward t o new developments in this expanding area of research. Copyright (C) 2000 S . Karger AG, Basel.