Hi Chris,
You know EPO may cause trombotic events
http://www.procrit.com/procrit/impor_safe.html
but I think that is uncommon in MDS patients specially in those patients that have decreased platelets. The problem for many MDS patients (like me last count 54,000) is that we have much too low platelets.
I think most patients prefer subcutaneous shots since you can take the shots at home – I have been taking Neupogen for my white blood cells at home 2 injections a week during 20 months and will probably need the drug the rest of my life.
Yes, many patients don’t need transfusions when they take EPO but others need transfusions though the transfusion interval can be longer.
Kind regards
Birgitta-A