Recombinant human erythropoietin reverses the severe anemia associated with end-stage renal disease. Mean half-life values after a single intravenous bolus dose range from 4-13 hours. Renal clearance is not a significant route of elimination. Dosing schedules in chronic renal failure involve a single intravenous bolus dose administered three times weekly after hemodialysis. Subcutaneous dosing has been approved and may be used in patients without intravenous access. Reticulocyte counts and hematocrit levels exhibit dose-dependent increases; improved hematocrit levels can be sustained with maintenance doses.