A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Epoetin Alfa Versus Placebo to Reduce the Need for Blood Transfusions and Reduce the Occurrence of Severe Anemia During the Time Period Surrounding Total Hip Replacement Surgery

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of two different dosing schedules of epoetin alfa versus placebo for decreasing the need for blood transfusions and preventing the occurrence of severe anemia during the period of time around total hip replacement surgery. Epoetin alfa is a genetically engineered protein that stimulates red blood cell production.