Darbapoetin alfa

Trade Name: Aranesp

Type of Drug: Darbapoetin alfa belongs to a general class of man-made substances called biological response modifiers. It is used to prevent or treat anemia (low red blood cell count) after chemotherapy.

How Drug Works: Darbapoetin alfa is similar to a hormone in your body called erythropoietin that makes the body’s bone marrow produce more red blood cells.

How Drug Is Given: Darbapoietin alfa is given as an injection under the skin every 1 to 2 weeks. You or a family member may be taught to give the injection. Keep the syringes, needles, and supplies in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets. The medicine should be kept in its original container in the refrigerator, but do not let it freeze; you should take it out 1 hour before the shot is due. Do not shake the drug. The dose may be increased or decreased depending upon your response. Your blood counts will be checked at regular intervals. Keep the used syringes and needles in a special container. Ask your nurse or doctor about this and when you should bring the filled container back to the office.

How Should I Take This Drug? Take this drug exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or nurse to explain them to you.

Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.

Should I avoid any other medicines, foods, alcohol, and/or activities? Your prescription and nonprescription medicines may interact with other drugs, causing harm. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medicine—prescription or nonprescription—without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, food, or other medicines. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and affect activities such as driving.

Precautions: This drug can cause an allergic reaction. You will be watched closely for signs and symptoms of a reaction when you first start receiving this drug. Symptoms can include rash, hives, flushing, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms of anemia (fatigue, low energy level, headaches) will go away once the red blood cell count goes back to a higher level.

You should not take darbapoietin alfa if you have uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure).

Your doctor will check your iron level in the blood. You may need to take iron pills to help your body make more red blood cells.

Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug.

Most of the following side effects probably will not occur. Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you. They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.

Side Effects:

Less Common Side Effects Diarrhea Swelling in legs or feet Fever Fatigue Headache Muscle aches

Rare Side Effects Blood clots in the lungs or blood vessels Rash Hives Difficulty breathing

Side Effects / Symptoms of the Drug Call your doctor or nurse right away if you get a rash, hives, or difficulty breathing. Report swelling of your feet or legs, bad pain in your legs, and/or fever if it occurs.

Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.

FDA Approval: Yes