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For Red Blood Cells:

Recombinant Erythropoietin (r-Hu-EPO) is a biosynthetic form of a natural human hormone responsible for stimulation of red blood cell production. It is manufactured using recombinant DNA technology, and has the same pharmacological effects as endogenous human erythropoietin, stimulating the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. The drug can be administered before, during, or after medical or surgical treatment to increase red blood cells production. It can also be used to accelerate hematopoietic recovery in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or to treat anemia in patients with chronic renal failure. Iron and other hematinics are administered concurrently to support erythropoietin-stimulated red blood cell production. (epoetin alfa, Eprex; epoetin beta, Recormon)

For White Blood Cells:

Recombinant Granulocyte -- Colony Stimulating Factor (r-Hu-G-CSF) is a biosynthetic form of a natural human hormone that stimulates production of neutrophils (a specific type of infection-fighting white blood cell) in the bone marrow. It is manufactured using recombinant DNA technology, and has the same biological effects as endogenous human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

For Platelets:

Recombinant Interleukin-11 (r-Hu-IL-11) is a genetically produced form of a naturally occurring human hormone that stimulates the body's platelet production. Interleukin-11 is important in managing patients who receive drug therapy that tends to suppress the development of platelets, such as chemotherapy.

The following Hemostatic Agents are used to promote Clotting:

Aprotinin is a naturally occurring agent isolated from bovine lung tissue that reduces bleeding during and after surgery. The mechanism by which aprotinin minimizes bleeding is thought to involve effects on platelet function as well as on coagulation and fibrinolysis.

Desmopressin is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring hormone. Desmopressin causes a dose-dependent increase in plasma factor VIII, plasminagen activator, and, to a lesser degree, factor VIII-related antigen and ristocetin cofactor activities. Large IV doses of desmopressin increase factor VIII activity in healthy individuals, in patients with mild to moderate hemophilia A and B or von Willebrand's disease, and in patient with uremia. This medication may also cause constriction of bleeding vessels so as to limit blood loss.

Vitamin K (Phytonadione) is a synthetic product identical to a naturally occurring Vitamin K. It is required for the production of certain blood clotting factors (factors II, VII, IX and X) in the liver. Causes of vitamin K deficiency include inadequate dietary intake, poor absorption, and drug interactions (e.g., antibiotics, stroke medications). Physicians report that vitamin K can be a useful adjunct in the management of hemorrhage.

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