Aranesp (Darbepoetin Alfa)
Purpose of Medication and Method of Action
Aranesp is used to treat anemia associated with chronic renal insufficiency or failure, cancer, and chemotherapy. The drug works by stimulating the production of red blood cells. Aranesp can be given once weekly as compared with 2-3 times a week for Epogen to obtain similar increases in hemoglobin.
Side Effects
Some patients that take Aranesp may experience changes in blood pressure, blood clots, ankle swelling, headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspnea, and injection site pain or discomfort. If you experience any of these side effects or other symptoms that you may think are related to the drug, report them to you healthcare professional immediately.
Drug Interactions
The amount of red blood cells in your blood may become too high if you take Aranesp with anabolic-androgenic steroids. You should report all drugs including over-the-counter products you are taking to your healthcare professional.
Cautions and Contraindications
Patients with high blood pressure, liver disease, sickle cell anemia, hypercoagulable states, cardiac disease, vascular disease, or hypersensitivity to albumin should in general not use darbepoetin alfa.
Usual Dose
The dose used will depend upon any prior use of erythropoetin alfa and the response therapy. A weekly dose of 1.5 to 4.5 mcg/kg or 3-9 mcg/kg every two weeks may be used to treat cancer or chemotherapy associated anemia. The indicated dose for the treatment of chronic renal failure or insufficiency is 0.45 mcg/kg once a week.
Prescribing Information
Additional information may be obtained at www.aranesp.com
Patient Medication Information
These information sheets do not list all known side effects of the medications, only the most common side effects. For a complete list of side effects please contact your local pharmacy or the actual drug manufacturing company.