What is darbepoetin used for?

Darbepoetin may be used for patients on kidney dialysis or for those not on dialysis. Anemia can also occur in people who are receiving chemotherapy to treat cancer. Darbepoetin alfa is used to treat severe anemia in these patients.

How long does it take for darbepoetin to work?

When darbepoetin alfa begins to work, usually in about 6 weeks, most people start to feel better. Some people are able to be more active. But darbepoetin alfa only corrects anemia. It has no effect on kidney disease, cancer, or any other medical problem that needs regular medical attention.

How do you take darbepoetin?

Darbepoetin alfa injection comes as a solution (liquid) to inject subcutaneously (just under the skin) or intravenously (into a vein). It is usually injected once every 1 to 4 weeks. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

How is darbepoetin made?

Darbepoetin is produced by recombinant DNA technology in modified Chinese hamster ovary cells. It differs from endogenous erythropoietin (EPO) by containing two more N-linked oligosaccharide chains. It is an erythropoiesis-stimulating 165-amino acid protein.

What type of drug is darbepoetin?

Darbepoetin alfa is in a class of medications called erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). It works by causing the bone marrow (soft tissue inside the bones where blood is made) to make more red blood cells.

Is retacrit the same as Aranesp?

Epoetin alfa (Retacrit, Procrit, Epogen) is a glycoprotein that stimulates red blood cell production; whereas, darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp) stimulates erythropoiesis by the same mechanism as endogenous erythropoietin.

What are the side effects of darbepoetin?

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• Accumulation of pus.
• arm, back, or jaw pain.
• breathing problems (irregular, noisy, or trouble when resting)
• chest pain, discomfort, tightness, or heaviness.
• decrease in the amount of urine.
• dilated neck veins.
• dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness.
• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat.

Is Aranesp an erythropoietin?

Aranesp® is a man-made form of erythropoietin, a human protein naturally produced by the kidney. Aranesp® “tells” the cells in your bone marrow to grow into new red blood cells within your bloodstream.

How often is darbepoetin given?

It is usually injected once every 1 to 4 weeks. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use darbepoetin alfa injection exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.