The invention relates to methods of treating a blood disorder in a mammal with an interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibitor. The invention also relates to methods of treating a blood disorder in a mammal with an IL-1 inhibitor, a TNF inhibitor and an erythropoietin (EPO) receptor agonist. The invention also relates to compositions of an IL-1 inhibitor and compositions of an IL-1 inhibitor, a TNF inhibitor and an EPO receptor agonist.