Aranesp

What is Aranesp?

Aranesp is a human-made version of a protein that aids your body in producing red blood cells. The protein can be depleted when you suffer from kidney disease or are taking certain drugs. If fewer red blood cells are created in your body, you may be diagnosed with anaemia.Aranesp can be used to treat anaemia due to chemotherapy as well as chronic kidney disease.

Warnings

Aranesp increases the risk of having life-threatening heart circulation issues, such as stroke. In an emergency situation, it is vital that you seek medical assistance immediately.. If you experience chest discomfort, breathlessness or weakness that is sudden or confusion, issues with balance or vision, difficulty talking or understanding, or feeling cold or pain in your leg or arm,Aranesp could also decrease the time to remission or even extend survival for some patients with specific types of cancer. Discuss with your physician the potential risks and benefits of taking darbepoetin.Before taking Aranesp, consult your physician, whether you suffer from cardiovascular disease, congestive failure, high blood pressure, kidney disease, a blood-cell or clotting disorder, cancer, seizure disorder, a reaction to latex, or have a previous history of a heart attack and blood clots.It is not recommended to use this medication if you suffer from high blood pressure that is not controlled or if you've ever suffered from an aplasia of the red cells (PRCA is a form of anaemia) resulting from the use of darbepoetin alfa or even epoetin (Epogen and Procrit).To ensure that Aranesp helps with your health Your blood might require testing regularly. Your blood pressure might also require checking. Visit your doctor regularly.Consult your physician if you notice you are weak, lightheaded, or fatigued. It could be an indication that your body is not responding to Aranesp.

Before you take this drug

You shouldn't use Aranesp. If you have an allergy to darbepoetin alfa or if you suffer from:

• Untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure that is not treated or controlled Untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure
• If you've had an aplasia of the red blood cells (PRCA, a kind of anaemia) that is caused by Aranesp or Epoetin Alfa,

Aranesp could reduce the time to remission in certain patients suffering from cervical and head cancer who are treated by radiation. Darbepoetin alfa can also reduce the time to remission in some people suffering from breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, cancer of the neck and head, cervical cancer, or lymphoid tumors. Consult your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medication.

Speak to your doctor if you have ever suffered from:

• Heart disease, high blood pressure
• Kidney disease (or if you're taking dialysis)
• A stroke, heart attack, or blood clot
• A seizure;
• A latex allergy.

Inform your physician if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.

Similar/related drugs

ferrous sulphate, FeroSul, Procrit, Retacrit, Epoetin Alfa, Epogen, and Darbepoetin alfa

How to take Aranesp?

Take Aranesp as directed by your physician. Follow the instructions on your prescription label, and go through all medication guides and instructions sheets. Your doctor may alter your dosage.Aranesp is administered every one to four weeks, based on the condition you're treating. It is also possible for blood pressure medicine. Follow your doctor's prescriptions attentively.Aranesp is injected beneath the skin or as an infusion into veins. The healthcare professional will give you the first dose and guide you on how to make use of the drug on your own.Take note of and follow the instructions for use that are included in your medication. It is important to be aware of the proper way to measure the dose of a complete or partial amount of this medication. Consult your physician or pharmacist to clarify any directions.Don't shake the medication. Make an injection only when you are ready to administer it. Avoid using any medicine that changes colour or has particles. Contact your pharmacist to inquire about a new medication.It is possible that you will require regular medical tests to make certain that the medication isn't creating harmful side effects. The time for your injections can be deferred according to those results.Contact your physician if you feel tired, weak, or lightheaded. You may also feel exhausted if you notice that your skin appears pale. This could indicate that your body is not responding to Aranesp.If you require surgery, inform your surgeon beforehand that you're taking this medication.Keep it in the refrigerator, and keep it away from sunlight. Do not keep Aranesp in the freezer. Aranesp, and then throw away the medicine when it is frozen.Every throughl (bottle) or syringe prefilled is intended for one usage only. It is best to dispose of it after one use, regardless of whether there's a little medicine in it.Use a needle or syringe only once and place them into a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Be sure to follow the laws of your state or city on how to dispose of the container. Keep it out of the reach of pets and children.

Details on dosage

Normal adult dose of Aranesp for anaemia in conjunction with chronic renal insufficiencyChronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Patients Not on Dialysis:
Dose for the first time: 0.45 mcg/kg IV or subcutaneously every 4 weeks, if necessary.
Comments:
When haemoglobin levels are less than 10 g/dL. The decrease in haemoglobin rate indicates the possibility of needing an RBC transfusion. Moreover, reducing the chance of alloimmunization or other RBC transfusion-related risks is a primary goal.
CKD patients on dialysis:
Initial dosage: 0.45 mcg/kg IV or subcutaneously once per week or 0.75 mg/kg twice every 2 weeks if needed.
Comments:
Start treatment if haemoglobin is less than 10 grammes/dL.
The IV route is recommended for patients who are on hemodialysis.

The usual adult dose of Aranesp for anaemia that is part of chemotherapy is:

Initial dosage: 2.25 mcg/kg subcutaneously once per week or 500 mcg subcutaneously, once every three weeks.
Therapy duration: up to the completion of the chemotherapy course
Comments:
Start treatment if haemoglobin levels are lower than 10 g/dL, and at least 2 more months of treatment are scheduled.
Utilise the smallest dose to prevent RBC transfusions.
Use for treatment of anemia in patients who have non-myeloid malignancies, where anemia is caused by the effects of concurrent myelosuppressive chemotherapy.Usual Dose of Aranesp to Children for Anaemia in Chronic Renal FailureAge less than 18 years:
Initial dose:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) People who are not on dialysis: 0.45 mcg/kg IV or subcutaneously every week, or 0.75 mg/kg once every two weeks
CKD Dialysis Patients: 0.45 mcg/kg IV or subcutaneously every week
Comments: Begin treatment if haemoglobin is lower than 10 g/dL.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Consult your physician for treatment in case you missed a dose of Aranesp.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Follow your doctor's advice regarding any dietary restrictions or beverages.

Side effects of Aranesp

See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms warnings of an allergy reaction (hives or wheezing, difficulty breathing, extreme fainting, dizziness, or swelling of your throat or face) or an extreme skin reaction (fever and burning sensations in your eyes, pain in the skin, and the skin is red or purple, which spreads and leads to blistering as well as peeling),Darbepoetin alfa could increase the risk of circulatory or heart problems, such as stroke or heart attack. The risk increases the longer you take Aranesp.
Get medical attention immediately in the event that you are suffering from:

• Warning signs of heart attacks chest pressure, or pain and shortness of breath. Pain that extends into your shoulder or jaw, nausea, sweating;
• Indications of stroke the sudden feeling of weakness or numbness (especially in one part of your body) and confusion. Also unexpectedly extreme headache and slurred speech. Issues with balance or vision;
• Indications of blood clots: pain, swelling, and redness. Chilling sensation, or a faint appearance of the arm or leg;
• Raised blood pressure. Headache: severe fuzzy vision, pain inside your ears or neck, anxiety, or a nosebleed

Contact your doctor immediately. If you are suffering from:

• A lightheaded sensation, similar to what you're passing out;
• Uncommon fatigue or weakness;
• A seizure (convulsions);
• Breathlessness (even when exerting only a little) swelling, rapid weight growth.

Common side effects of aranesp include:

• Low blood pressure during dialysis;
• Trouble breathing or coughing
• Stomach pain;
• Swelling of your legs or arms.

This isn't an exhaustive list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drug

Other medications may interfere with Aranesp, which includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your physician all your medications currently used and any medication you begin or stop taking.