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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.

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)

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.

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

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.

Common side effects of Darbepoetin Alfa:

• High blood pressure
• Trouble breathing
• Swelling in the hands and legs
• Cough

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

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.

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

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.

• Aranesp