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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Darbepoetin Alfa

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Darbepoetin Alfa

  • Darbepoetin alfa is usually administered by a doctor or nurse.
  • If you are going to be administering the injection yourself, it is important that you receive training from your doctor, nurse or pharmacist beforehand.
  • If you miss a dose of darbepoetin alfa contact your doctor to discuss when you should inject the next dose.
  • Keep your regular appointment with your doctor so your progress can be checked.

About darbepoetin alfa

Type of medicineErythropoietic Agents
Used forAnaemia in patients with chronic renal failure (kidney failure)
Anaemia in patients being treated for some types of cancer
Also calledAranesp
Aranesp SureClick
Available asInjection

Anaemia is caused by a reduction of haemoglobin found in red blood cells. Haemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and also carries the waste product carbon dioxide back to the lungs. If someone suffers from anaemia then not enough oxygen will be carried around the body. This can cause tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness and headache. People with renal failure (kidney failure) are particularly prone to anaemia. Darbepoetin alfa works by encouraging the body to produce more red blood cells and is used for preventing and treating anaemia.

Your doctor may also recommend you take an iron supplement.

Before using darbepoetin alfa

Before using darbepoetin alfa make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver or blood pressure problems.
  • If you suffer from epilepsy or circulation problems.
  • If you suffer from sickle cell anaemia.
  • If you have any problems with your heart, have recently suffered from a heart attack or stroke.
  • If you currently have an infection.
  • If you suffer from any blood disorders.
  • If you have previously had a poor response to any drugs used to treat anaemia.
  • If you have an allergy to latex (needle cover contains a derivative of latex).
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use darbepoetin alfa

  • Darbepoetin alfa should be used exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Darbepoetin alfa is usually administered by a doctor or nurse.
  • If you are going to be administering the injection yourself, it is important that you receive training from your doctor, nurse or pharmacist beforehand.
  • Darbepoetin alfa is administered as a single injection, either once a week, once every two weeks, once every three weeks or once every month, depending on the individual patient.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you miss a dose of darbepoetin alfa contact your doctor to discuss when you should inject the next dose.
  • Keep your regular appointment with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
  • Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Darbepoetin alfa.

Can darbepoetin alfa cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Pain at injection siteDiscomfort is generally mild and should only last for a short time. It is more common at the start of treatment.

Important: If you experience stabbing or migraine-like headache, confusion or have any fits, contact your doctor as soon as possible for advice. These may be warning signs of a sudden rise in blood pressure and urgent treatment may be needed.

Other side-effects may include joint pain, swelling of the legs and ankles, skin rashes and flu-like symptoms. If you experience these or any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store darbepoetin alfa

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Keep the pre-filled syringe or pen in the original packaging in order to protect from light.
  • Store in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C). Do not freeze.
  • Remove and leave at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before injection.
  • Once room temperature has been reached (25°C) the pre-filled syringe or pen must be used within 7 days or disposed of.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking..
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

© EMIS 2008DocID:
1411		DocRef:
dils2153		Last Reviewed:
14 Jan 2008		Version:
22
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