- Arm II: Patients are observed for 6-8 weeks and then hemoglobin levels are reevaluated. Patients whose hemoglobin levels decrease below 9.0 g/dL receive epoetin alfa subcutaneously each week. Patients whose hemoglobin levels are at least 9.0 g/dL are observed for another 3-4 weeks and then hemoglobin levels are reevaluated.