DARBEPOETIN ALFA (Injection) (Injectable)

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Blood pressure by Claire Mantle from London England 04/23/2008

Aranesp or Procrit & side effects? by sandy from UK 02/23/2006

DARBEPOETIN ALFA (Injection) (Injectable) Drug and Prescription Information

DARBEPOETIN ALFA (Injection) (Injectable)

DARBEPOETIN ALFA (Injection) (Injectable) Medication Classification

DARBEPOETIN ALFA (Injection)

DARBEPOETIN ALFA (Injection) (Injectable) Brandname

Aranesp

DARBEPOETIN ALFA (Injection) (Injectable) is used for the Treatment

Darbepoetin Alfa (dar-be-POE-e-tin AL-fa) Treats anemia that is caused by kidney failure.

When To Not Use DARBEPOETIN ALFA (Injection) (Injectable)

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to darbepoetin or if you have high blood pressure that is not well-controlled.

How Should You Use DARBEPOETIN ALFA (Injection) (Injectable)

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin or into a vein.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
• This medicine comes in single-use vials (bottles). Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Never shake the vial of darbepoetin. Shaking the liquid can cause the medicine to lose its strength.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.
If a dose is missed:
• Call your doctor, pharmacist, or home health caregiver for instructions.

Proper DARBEPOETIN ALFA (Injection) (Injectable) Storage

Store DARBEPOETIN ALFA (Injection) (Injectable) at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture unless otherwise stated by manufacturer's instructions or labelling. Keep DARBEPOETIN ALFA (Injection) (Injectable) and all medications out of the reach of children.

What To Avoid While Using DARBEPOETIN ALFA (Injection) (Injectable)

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you have ever received epoetin (Epogen®, Procrit®).

DARBEPOETIN ALFA (Injection) (Injectable) Warnings

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have blood disorders (such as porphyria, thalassemia, or sickle cell disease).
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

DARBEPOETIN ALFA (Injection) (Injectable) Side Effects

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Fever, chills, sore throat, or other signs of infection
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Rapid weight gain
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Seizures
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, bluish-colored skin
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Headache, dizziness
• Muscle or joint pain
• Pain where the shot or IV was given