Brand Name(s): Aranesp

Generic Name Darbepoetin alfa

What is darbepoetin alfa injection?

DARBEPOETIN ALFA (Aranesp™) is a man-made form of erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells. Sometimes, your body does not make enough erythropoietin, and that may cause anemia. Darbepoetin alfa treats anemia associated with chronic kidney failure and cancer treatment. Generic darbepoetin alfa injections are not available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive darbepoetin alfa?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood clotting disorders or history of blood clots
• cystic fibrosis
• enlarged spleen
• heart disease, such as angina, heart failure, or a history of a heart attack
• high blood pressure
• infection
• low levels of folate, iron, or vitamin B₁₂
• over-active parathyroid gland
• porphyria
• seizures
• sickle cell disease
• thalassemia
• an unusual or allergic reaction to darbepoetin, erythropoietin, albumin, hamster proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Darbepoetin alfa is for injection into a vein or under the skin. A health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting may give it to you. If you are given darbepoetin alfa for home use, you will be instructed in the proper injection technique. Make sure you understand all the instructions before you or your caregiver attempt to give the first injection. Follow the directions exactly. Always wash your hands before use. Only use a disposable syringe once. Always change the site for the injection. Do not shake the solution before you withdraw a dose from the vial.

Make sure you receive a puncture-resistant container to dispose of the needles and syringes once you have finished with them. Do not reuse these items. Return the container to your prescriber or health care professional for proper disposal.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

Try not to miss doses. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for instructions if you miss a dose.

What drug(s) may interact with darbepoetin alfa?

• desmopressin
• iron supplements (you may need more iron while taking darbepoetin)
• male hormones (also called androgens, examples include nandrolone or testosterone)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving darbepoetin alfa?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• chest pain
• difficulty breathing
• high blood pressure
• muscle aches or pains
• rapid weight gain
• seizures (convulsions)
• skin rash or hives
• swelling of feet or ankles
• unusual weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• fatigue
• fever
• headache
• muscle or joint pain
• nausea, vomiting
• redness, itching, stinging, or swelling at the injection site

What should I watch for while taking darbepoetin alfa?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress (once or twice a week) and for blood tests and blood pressure measurements. It may take up to 6 weeks for you to notice the effects of darbepoetin alfa.

Darbepoetin alfa might cause seizures, especially during the first few months of treatment; until you know how darbepoetin alfa affects you, do not drive or use machinery.

As your body makes more red blood cells, you may need to take iron, folic acid, or vitamin B supplements. Make sure to follow your prescribers' instructions when taking these supplements. Ask your prescriber or health care provider which products are right for you. If you have kidney disease, continue your routine dietary restrictions, even though this medication can make you feel better. Talk with your prescriber or health care professional about individual nutritional requirements.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 °C (36 and 46 °F); do not freeze. Do not shake. Throw away any unused portion if using a single-dose vial.