darbepoetin alfa Health Article

Generic name(s):

darbepoetin alfa

Brand name(s):

Aranesp, Aranesp Albumin Free, Aranesp SureClick

What is the most important information I should know about darbepoetin alfa?

This medicine can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use darbepoetin alfa. Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance. Do not use darbepoetin alfa if you have high blood pressure (hypertension) that is not controlled by diet and/or medication.

Before using darbepoetin alfa, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, cancer, epilepsy or another seizure disorder, or a history of stroke or blood clots.

To be sure this medication is helping your body produce red blood cells, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. You may also need to check your blood pressure during treatment. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Contact your doctor if you feel weak, light-headed, or short of breath, or if your skin looks pale. These may be signs that your body has stopped responding to darbepoetin alfa. Some women using darbepoetin alfa have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need for birth control.

Darbepoetin alfa is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although donated human plasma is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

What is darbepoetin alfa?

Darbepoetin alfa is a man-made form of a protein that helps your body produce red blood cells. The amount of this protein in your body may be reduced when you have kidney failure or use certain medications. When fewer red blood cells are produced, you can develop a condition called anemia.

Darbepoetin alfa is used to treat anemia (a lack of red blood cells in the body).

Darbepoetin alfa may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using darbepoetin alfa?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to darbepoetin alfa, epoetin alfa (Epogen or Procrit), or if you have:

• untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;

• an allergy to animal products; or

• an allergy to albumin.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease, congestive heart failure, or high blood pressure;

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• a history of stroke, heart attack, or blood clots;

• a blood cell or clotting disorder, such as sickle cell anemia or hemophilia;

• cancer; or

• epilepsy or another seizure disorder.

If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to use darbepoetin alfa or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Darbepoetin alfa is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although donated human plasma is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether darbepoetin alfa passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Some women using darbepoetin alfa have started having menstrual periods, even after not having a period for a long time due to a medical condition. You may be able to get pregnant if your periods restart. Talk with your doctor about the need to use birth control while you are using darbepoetin alfa.

Darbepoetin alfa may shorten remission time in some people with head and neck cancer who are also being treated with radiation. Darbepoetin alfa may also shorten survival time in certain people with breast cancer. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.