Aranesp (Darbepoetin Alfa) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 24, 2012

Aranesp

Kidney Failure »

What are the kidneys?

The kidneys play key roles in body function, not only by filtering the blood and getting rid of waste products, but also by balancing levels of electrolyte levels in the body, controlling blood pressure, and stimulating the production of red blood cells.

The kidneys are located in the abdomen toward the back, normally one on each side of the spine. They get their blood supply through the renal arteries directly from the aorta and send blood back to the heart via the renal veins to the vena cava. (The term "renal" is derived from the Latin name for kidney.)

The kidneys have the ability to monitor the amount of body fluid, the concentrations of electrolytes like sodium and potassium, and the acid-base balance of the body. They filter waste products of body metabolism, like urea from protein metabolism and uric acid from DNA breakdown. Two waste products in the blood can be measured: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ...

Read the Kidney Failure article »

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Aranesp Patient Information including How Should I Take

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

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.

If you have any of these other conditions you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

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.

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. It is not known whether darbepoetin is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, 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, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck cancer, cervical cancer, or lymphoid cancer. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

How should I use darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Darbepoetin alfa is given as an injection under the skin or into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. With your medication you will receive patient instructions.

You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Do not shake the medication vial (bottle). Vigorous shaking can ruin the medicine. Do not draw your darbepoetin alfa dose into a syringe until you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Use each disposable needle and syringe only one time. Throw away used needles and syringes in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Store darbepoetin alfa in the refrigerator and do not allow it to freeze.

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.

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