Erythropoietin (EPO) vs MK-677
Extensively Studied vs Well Studied
monitor Mechanism-based · 51% Both Erythropoietin (EPO) and MK-677 can raise blood pressure. Monitor BP regularly and consider adding cardiovascular support (cardarine, telmisartan, or similar).
Molecular Data
Erythropoietin (EPO) MK-677
Weight 30,400 Da 624.77 Da
Half-life 4-12 hours (IV), ~25 hours (SubQ) ~24 hours
Chain 165 amino acids —
Type Glycoprotein hormone Non-peptide ghrelin receptor agonist
Key Benefits
Erythropoietin (EPO)
01 Stimulates red blood cell production
02 Increases oxygen-carrying capacity
03 FDA-approved for anemia treatment
04 Improves endurance capacity
05 Supports patients with chronic kidney disease
06 Helps chemotherapy-induced anemia
07 Well-characterized mechanism of action
08 Extensively studied safety profile
MK-677
01 97% increase in 24-hour growth hormone secretion
02 40-72% elevation in IGF-1 levels
03 Enhanced sleep quality with improved REM patterns
04 Preferential lean tissue gains of 1.1-2.7kg over 8-12 months
05 15% basal metabolic rate increase within 2 weeks
06 Oral administration (no injections required)
Dosing Protocols
Erythropoietin (EPO)
50-300 IU/kg based on medical indication / 1-3 times weekly depending on response
CKD Anemia (medical) 50-100 IU/kg 3x weekly
Chemotherapy Anemia (medical) 150-300 IU/kg 3x weekly
Maintenance (medical) Individualized 1-3x weekly
MK-677
Start 12.5mg daily, increase to 25mg based on tolerance / Once daily, preferably at bedtime on empty stomach
Side Effects
Erythropoietin (EPO)
Injection site reactions
Headache
Hypertension
Joint pain
Flu-like symptoms
MK-677
Appetite stimulation (>50% of users)
Water retention (30-40%)
Lethargy (20-30%)
Fasting glucose elevation (5-15mg/dL)
Note on testosterone suppression: at doses up to 20 mg daily, MK-677 is unlikely to cause significant testosterone suppression on its own. Above 20 mg daily, the likelihood of suppression and other side effects (insulin resistance, water retention, lethargy) increases. The case report documenting 85.7% testosterone suppression involved co-administration with LGD-4033, a SARM known to be profoundly suppressive, making the SARM the likely primary driver of that suppression.
Contraindications
Uncontrolled hypertension
Pure red cell aplasia history
Hemoglobin >12 g/dL (increased cardiovascular risk)
Active malignancy (relative contraindication)
Heart disease or congestive heart failure
Diabetes or pre-diabetes
Active cancer
Severe cardiovascular disease
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Research Evidence
Erythropoietin (EPO) MK-677
Status Extensively Studied Well Studied
References 4 studies 7 studies
Latest — July 2024
FDA Approved Yes No
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.