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darbepoetin alfa

darbepoetin alfa

Coupons, Savings & Patient Assistance

Learn more about darbepoetin alfa and see what savings options may be available to you that can help bring down the cost of your medication.

Options may include Rx Advantage Card, Copay assistance & Coupons, or Patient Assistance Programs. Suitable for insured, underinsured or uninsured individuals. Pay as little as $0 per fill.

Manufactured by various FDA-approved generic manufacturers.

This content is intended for US audiences only

Drug savings programs

  • Qualified

    Rx Advantage Card for darbepoetin alfa

    Good News! You can save up to 90% on the cost of your darbepoetin alfa when using the FREE NowPatient’s Rx Advantage Card at your local pharmacy.

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  • Unavailable

    Canada drug option for darbepoetin alfa

    N/A
    Manufactured by
    N/A
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    Option Not Available
  • Unavailable

    Copay Assistance for darbepoetin alfa

    Unfortunately, the FDA-approved generic manufacturer for darbepoetin alfa does not offer a co-pay assistance program at this time. Please check back regularly as this situation may change.

    A person holding a coupon or copay card
    Option Not Available
  • Unavailable

    Patient Assistance Programs for darbepoetin alfa

    Unfortunately, the FDA-approved generic manufacturer for darbepoetin alfa does not offer a patient assistance program at this time. Please check back regularly as this situation may change.

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    Option Not Available
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Navin Khosla NowPatientGreen tick
Updated on 24 Apr 2024

Learn more about darbepoetin alfa

What dosages is darbepoetin alfa available in?

What dosages is darbepoetin alfa available in?

darbepoetin alfa is available in:

  • 25 mcg, 40 mcg, 60 mcg, 100 mcg, 200 mcg and 300 mcg single-dose vials
  • 10 mcg/0.4 mL, 25 mcg/0.42 mL, 40 mcg/0.4 mL, 60 mcg/0.3 mL, 100 mcg/0.5 mL, 150 mcg/0.3 mL, 200 mcg/0.4 mL, 300 mcg/0.6 mL, and 500 mcg/1 mL single-dose prefilled syringes.
What is darbepoetin alfa used for?

What is darbepoetin alfa used for?

darbepoetin alfa is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) that is used to treat:

  • Anemia due to chemotherapy
  • Anemia due to chronic kidney disease (dialysis and non-dialysis)
How does darbepoetin alfa work?

How does darbepoetin alfa work?

darbepoetin alfa is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA). It works similarly to a naturally-occurring hormone in our body (erythropoietin). Erythropoietin sends a signal to our body to make more red blood cells.

How do I take darbepoetin alfa?

How do I take darbepoetin alfa?

Your provider will determine your dose based on factors such as your body weight, age, and hemoglobin level.

Anemia due to chemotherapy

  • The typical starting dose is 2.25 mcg/kg injected under the skin every week, or 500 mcg every 3 weeks until chemotherapy is finished

Anemia due to CKD

  • Adults (not receiving dialysis): The typical recommended starting dose is 0.45 mcg/kg body weight injected under the skin or through the veins once every 4 weeks
  • Adults (receiving dialysis): The typical recommended starting dose is 0.45 mcg/kg body weight injected under the skin or through the veins once a week, or 0.75 mcg/kg injected once every 2 weeks
  • Children: The typical recommended starting dose is 0.45 mcg/kg body weight injected under the skin or through the veins once a week. If not receiving dialysis, the usual starting dose is 0.75 mcg/kg injected once every 2 weeks
Is it safe for me to take darbepoetin alfa?

Is it safe for me to take darbepoetin alfa?

darbepoetin alfa is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication in the following:
Uncontrolled hypertension.
Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that begins after treatment with darbepoetin alfa or other erythropoietin protein drugs.
Serious allergic reactions to darbepoetin alfa.

darbepoetin alfa Common Side Effects

darbepoetin alfa Common Side Effects

Common side effects of darbepoetin alfa:

  • High blood pressure
  • Trouble breathing
  • Swelling in the hands and legs
  • Cough
darbepoetin alfa Serious Side Effects

darbepoetin alfa Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects are rare with darbepoetin alfa. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Seizures
  • Heart attack: chest pain, stomach discomfort, sweating, nausea, dizziness
  • Stroke: sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, leg, or face, confusion, trouble seeing, headache, difficulty walking
  • Dangerously high blood pressure: nausea, vomiting, confusion, dizziness, blurry vision, anxiety
  • Heart failure: tiredness, weakness, trouble breathing, swelling in the ankles and feet, chest pain
  • Serious allergic reaction: swelling of the face or tongue, throat tightening, trouble breathing, welts, skin rash
  • Serious skin reactions: fever, sore throat, tiredness, trouble swallowing, cough, body aches, rash, peeling or blistering skin
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on darbepoetin alfa

Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on darbepoetin alfa

There are no major drug interactions listed for darbepoetin alfa. However, always let your physician and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking.

Who makes darbepoetin alfa?

Who makes darbepoetin alfa?

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

Is darbepoetin alfa safe in pregnancy?

Is darbepoetin alfa safe in pregnancy?

It is not known if darbepoetin alfa may harm your unborn baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about possible pregnancy and birth control choices that are right for you.

pill

What to do if you missed your darbepoetin alfa dose

The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.

Learn more about reporting side effects

What can I do if I am commercially insured but cannot afford my darbepoetin alfa?

If you are commercially insured and you cannot afford your copay or co-insurance you can opt for purchasing darbepoetin alfa outside of your plan using the Rx Advantage card, with costs that are usually lower than a typical plan copay. If you elect to use this method, out of pocket costs do not contribute towards your plan deductibles.

If you cannot afford the cash price possibly due to income constraints, then there is the option of applying to state assistance programs like Medicaid. Often, you may be able to receive your darbepoetin alfa without any costs at all. You can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following this link HealthCare.gov. The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application.

What can I do if I am uninsured and cannot afford my darbepoetin alfa?

If you cannot afford the cash price of darbepoetin alfa using the Rx Advantage card then there is the option of applying to state programs like Medicaid. Often, you may be able to receive your darbepoetin alfa without any costs at all. You can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following this link HealthCare.gov. The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application.

What can I do if I am insured with Medicare and cannot afford my darbepoetin alfa?

If you are insured with Medicare and have Part D or an Advantage drug plan but cannot afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you have a number of options:

Option

Savings Information

RX ADVANTAGE CARD

You can use the Rx Advantage to purchase the medication outside of your plan at prices that may be lower than you copay or co-insurance element. If you elect to use this method, out of pocket costs do not contribute towards your plan deductibles.

LOW INCOME SUBSIDY

If this is still too expensive or unaffordable then you can apply for federal support like Low Income Subsidy (LIS). To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

MEDICAID

Alternatively, you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following this link to the HealthCare.gov. The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

Am I eligible for the Rx Advantage Card and how much does darbepoetin alfa cost without insurance?

Our website gives savings options to customers who wish to purchase darbepoetin alfa, as either a brand or generic, without the constraints of insurance. By using the Rx Advantage Card, users can save up to 90% on the cost of their medication. The card can be used at over 65,000 pharmacies nationwide, across America. Even if you are insured, in most cases the cash price will be significantly cheaper than your existing co-pay. NowPatient is able to negotiate discounts on bulk drug purchases with pharmacy owners meaning you can access lower medication prices at nearby pharmacies using our card that can be conveniently stored in your NowPatient account.

What will my out-of-pocket cost be for darbepoetin alfa when using the Rx Advantage Card?

Your out-of-pocket (OOP) cost will effectively be the discounted cash price you pay for darbepoetin alfa using the Rx Advantage Card. If you are insured, your OOP expense can not be used against your plan deductible, if your plan has a deductible.

Yes. The Rx Advantage card is especially useful for people who have High-deductible health plans (HDHPs). It can be used for insured, uninsured, and underinsured persons.

Does the Rx Advantage Card work with Medicare or any other federal or state insurance plans?

No. We do not bill any federal or state insurance including Medicare Part D (standalone drug coverage) or Medicare Advantage (combined health and drug benefit). When you purchase your medication using the NowPatient Rx Advantage Card, you will be doing so out of pocket. The spend will not count towards your plan deductibles or gaps in the event you have a plan with a deductible. The out-of-pocket darbepoetin alfa cash price you pay can be typically cheaper than your plan copay.

Does the Rx Advantage Card work with Commercial Insurance?

We do not bill your commercial insurance. When you purchase your medication using the Rx Advantage Card, from NowPatient, you will be doing so out of your pocket. The spend will not count towards your plan deductibles or gaps in the event you have a plan with a deductible. The out-of-pocket darbepoetin alfa cash price you pay can be typically cheaper than your plan copay.

How do I check prices for darbepoetin alfa and how do I use the Rx Advantage Card?

You can search for the prices at nearby pharmacies using our website. Simply search your medication and enter your ZIP Code and we will show you the price of your drug at nearby pharmacies. If you are happy with the quote, you need to create an account with NowPatient and generate your card. Next, simply go to the pharmacy and fill your darbepoetin alfa Rx. Ask the pharmacy to run the card and check the price, even if they tell you they have another card they use. Your card is stored safely in your NowPatient account.

Do I need to pay for the Rx Advantage Card?

No. The Rx Advantage prescription savings card is FREE to use and store for NowPatient users.

Is there a darbepoetin alfa co-pay program?

Generic medications like darbepoetin alfa do not have co-pay card savings options. A Copay program, if available, would normally be for the brand name version of darbepoetin alfa. You can search the brand name of darbepoetin alfa and check to see if a co-pay program exists. Co-pay cards are programs run by pharmaceutical companies that offer you a direct way to lower your out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs for eligible patients. The copay cards essentially allow physicians to prescribe medications that are clinically preferred.

Is there a darbepoetin alfa Patient Assistance Program (PAP)?

Generic medications like darbepoetin alfa do not have PAP savings options. A Patient assistance program, if available would normally be for the brand name version of darbepoetin alfa. You can search the brand name of darbepoetin alfa and check to see if a co-PAP exists. PAPs are programs that are run and sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. They offer uninsured, insured, or underinsured individuals access to high-cost brand-name medications, which may otherwise be unaffordable.

I am insured but I do not qualify for patient assistance or copay assistance for darbepoetin alfa. Is there any other form of assistance that can help with the costs of my existing copays or co-insurance?

There are a number of resources available such as charitable foundations that may be able to provide assistance for your darbepoetin alfa:

Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for darbepoetin alfa

If you are having trouble paying for your darbepoetin alfa medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for darbepoetin alfa you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:

  • Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
  • darbepoetin alfa is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
  • You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
  • You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers darbepoetin alfa
  • If darbepoetin alfa is listed on PAN's list of covered medications

You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.

HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for darbepoetin alfa

If you are having trouble paying for your darbepoetin alfa medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for darbepoetin alfa you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • You live in and are being treated in the United States
  • You are insured and your plan covers darbepoetin alfa
  • If darbepoetin alfa is listed on the HealthWell Foundation's list of covered medications

You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.

Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for darbepoetin alfa

Patient Advocate Foundation's Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your darbepoetin alfa treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for darbepoetin alfa you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • You must be currently insured and have coverage for darbepoetin alfa
  • You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
  • You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
  • Your Income must fall at or below 3000r 4000f the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
  • Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.

You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.

Can I buy my darbepoetin alfa from Canada?

Americans pay at least twice as much (in fact 218%) on prescription medications than individuals in other countries, like Canada. The reason why Canada drugs are cheaper is that Canada regulates its prescription medication drug prices (the Patented Medicines Prices Review Board) meaning that consumers pay less for their darbepoetin alfa. This prevents pharmaceutical patentees from charging excessive prices.

As well, many Canadian drugs are likely produced by exactly the same companies in the same factories, as US prescription drugs.

We have partnered with Prescription Help in Canada that carries thousands of branded and generic medications. If there is an option for darbepoetin alfa from Canada, then we will provide this as an Rx savings option to you.

Is it safe for me to buy my darbepoetin alfa from Prescription Help, Canada?

If you purchase darbepoetin alfa from Canadian Prescription Help, then there is little reason to worry about safety since it is likely that the drugs will be the same ones you would get from your American drugstore, and would have undergone the same rigorous testing as the American counterparts. Canada drugs are regulated for safety, efficacy and quality by Health Canada, which is the Canadian equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you are unsure, you can discuss this option with your physician, especially if you find it difficult affording your medications and may therefore risk not being treated.

Rest assured, NowPatient has done thorough due diligence on Prescription Help, to ensure that the service is adequately licensed, regulated and safe.

We have checked and verified that Prescription Help:

  • Is a licensed pharmacy in Canada.
  • Will only fill your darbepoetin alfa if you have a valid prescription.
  • Has a licensed pharmacist on staff to answer your questions.
  • Does not send medicine that looks different than what you receive at your usual drug store, nor does it arrive in packaging that is damaged, in a foreign language, has no expiration date, or is expired.
  • Does not charge you for products that you never ordered or received.
  • Provides clear written protections for your personal and financial information, including credit card numbers.
  • Maintains the highest standards of data security and compliance.
  • Does not sell your information to other websites.
  • Does not supply controlled substances.
  • Does not supply any products on an FDA Import Alert.
  • Quantities are restricted to a maximum of 3 month's supply for international orders.
  • Publishes contact information on website for customer service.

Is ordering darbepoetin alfa from a Canadian Pharmacy legal?

Although it is technically not legal for individuals to import prescription drugs, It is notable that U.S. government officials have stated that individuals who procure non-controlled prescription drugs from Canada or other foreign sources for up to a three-month supply for their own use are not pursued or prosecuted. There are hundreds of thousands of American patients who have used or continue to use Canadian pharmacies to procure their medications at significant discounts. Often the price of medications can be the difference between getting treated or not being treated.

How do I place an order for darbepoetin alfa from Prescription Help, Canada?

If your medication is available from our partner Canadian Pharmacy, then we will show it as an option. You can search for the product by pack size, strength or form and then see the price for darbepoetin alfa. If you are happy with the price, you can proceed to the checkout. This will take you to the Prescription Help website, from where you can complete the process. Prescription Help is not connected to NowPatient other than as an affiliate partner which offers services that may benefit NowPatient users. It is not insurance, any payments are strictly cash and are considered out-of-pocket.

What should I do if I take too much darbepoetin alfa?

Call your doctor right away or seek immediate medical attention if your symptoms do not improve or they become worse after using darbepoetin alfa. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource if you think you've used too much darbepoetin alfa. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

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Medical Disclaimer

NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information in this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.

The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.

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