home > drugs a-z list > aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) drug center > aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) drug - patient side effects and images

Brand Names: Aranesp, Aranesp Albumin Free, Aranesp SureClick

Generic Name: darbepoetin alfa (Pronunciation: DAR be POE e tin AL fa)

• What is darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp)?
• What are the possible side effects of darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp)?
• What is the most important information I should know about darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp)?
• How should I use darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Aranesp)?
• What happens if I overdose (Aranesp)?
• What should I avoid while using darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp)?
• What other drugs will affect darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp)?

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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp)?

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.

Darbepoetin alfa 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, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance; or
• pain or swelling in one or both legs.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using darbepoetin alfa and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling of your ankles or feet;
• increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure);
• feeling light-headed, fainting; or
• seizure (black-out or convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, mild headache;
• fever, sore throat, body aches, flu symptoms;
• joint or muscle pain;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation; or
• bruising, swelling, warmth, redness, oozing, or bleeding where the IV needle is placed.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

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, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, kidney disease, a blood cell or clotting disorder, cancer, epilepsy or another seizure disorder, or a history of stroke, heart attack, 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.