EPO (Erythropoietin)

Drugs in sports.By Kurtis White.

Outline of the drug

The drug erythropoietin, aka EPO is one of the many types of performance enhancing drugs used in sport. EPO is used most commonly along with steroids and other drugs as It stimulates red blood cell creation. Red blood cells produce oxygen in our bodies and help us to breath. So for a sports person this would help them in such events like running and cycling as they require a lot of oxygen in long distance events so they can last longer and control and maintain steady oxygen flow with out having to stop or slow down so with EPO they will have more blood cells, which means more oxygen.

How does it affect the body?

This substance affects our bodies by stimulating and creating more red blood cells for greater oxygen levels so we can breath easier and last longer in a long distance event. E.g.. Tour de France, running events. EPO was initially created and used in hospitals to treat certain forms anemia. This is usually because of kidney failures in a person.

Why do athletes use this?

Athletes use EPO to enhance their performance in sport to give them a better chance at winning. This particular drug enhances red blood cells and they produce more oxygen. So in cycling and running they would be able to run, cycle for longer without slowing down or stopping.

Which sports is this used?

• This drug is mainly seen in track and field events and cycling, as they can be long distance events and need a lot of oxygen to keep you going and maintain your breathing so you don’t have to stop.

There have been 2 main athletes that have been found guilty of this drug, Marion Jones and Ricco.

Side effects or dangers?

EPO is a dangerous drug because it creates a high level of hematocrit. The hematocrit is referred to as the percentage of blood inside the cell. When you take EPO it increases the hematocrit, causing your blood to be thick and

clog capillaries in the body, and can result in a stroke and heart attacks.

3 questions

1. What was EPO originally used for before it found its way into sport?

It was initially used to help patients in hospitals with anemia of some forms. Also because of kidney failures.

2. What is a hematocrit?A hematocrit is the percentage of blood inside the blood cell. To much blood

and it can prove bad for your body.

3. Why do athletes use EPO?Athletes use EPO so they can breath easier in long distance events and last

longer without stopping.