What is Darbepoetin alfa?
Darbepoetin Alpha is a synthetic form of a natural protein that aids in the production of red blood cells. Darbepoetin is used for treating anemia that may be caused by chemotherapy or chronic renal disease. Darbepoetin can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Darbepoetin alfa
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or fainting or swelling in the face or throat, or a severe reaction to your skin (fever or sore throat with burning eyes, pain in the skin, or a red or purple rash that is spreading and blistering), call 911 immediately. Darbepoetin alfa increases your risk of life-threatening heart and circulation problems. This includes heart attacks or strokes. Darbepoetin increases this risk the longer you take it. If this situation arises for you, seek medical assistance immediately.
- Heart attack symptoms include chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, and pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder. Nausea and sweating are also possible.
- Signs of stroke: sudden numbness, weakness, confusion, severe headache; slurred or shaky speech; difficulty with vision, balance, or coordination.
- Signs of a blood clot: pain, swelling, warmth, or redness; or a pale appearance on an arm or limb.
- Increased blood pressure—severe migraine, blurred vision or pounding in the neck and ears, anxiety, and nosebleeds
Darbepoetin can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Feeling lightheadedness as though they could faint is common during flu season, particularly for women and children with immune deficiencies such as Down's syndrome or asthma.
- Unusual weakness or fatigue
- A seizure (convulsions);
- Shortness of breath, inflammation and rapid weight gain.
Darbepoetin Alfa may cause the following side effects:
- Low blood pressure during dialysis;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Stomach pain;
- Swelling in the arms or legs.
There may be other side effects.Call your doctor immediately if experiencing side effects; or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 if wishing to report them.
Warnings
Darbepoetin can increase the risk of serious heart and circulation problems, including stroke or heart attack. If any of the following symptoms arise, seek emergency medical assistance immediately: Darbepoetin may also reduce the time to remission or even survival in certain people with cancer. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits associated with darbepoetin.
Before you take this drug
Darbepoetin is not recommended if:
- Untreated or uncontrolled hypertension
- If you've ever suffered from pure rcc aplasia (PRCA) caused by darbepoetin or Epoetin Alpha,
Darbepoetin may also shorten the time to remission for people who have head or neck cancer and are being treated with radiation. Darbepoetin may also reduce the survival time of certain people who have breast carcinoma or non-small-cell lung cancer. Speak to your doctor about possible risks and benefits.
Provide information to your doctor regarding any of the following:
- High blood pressure;
- Kidney disease (or dialysis if you have it);
- A stroke, heart attack, or blood clot
- A seizure;
- A latex allergy.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
How to take Darbepoetin alfa?
Follow all instructions or guides provided with your medication carefully and exactly. Occasionally, doctors will change dosage instructions; therefore, take exactly as instructed.Darbepoetin is administered every 1 to 4 weeks, depending on your condition. You may need to take blood pressure medication. You should follow your doctor's advice. Darbepoetin is given either as an injection under the skin or as an infusion through a vein. Your healthcare provider may give you your first dose and teach you how to use the medication properlyPlease read and heed all instructions that accompany your medication carefully, especially Darbepoetin Alfa which needs to be measured properly and measured exactly - if in doubt please ask for clarification from a pharmacist or physician. Don't shake the dose; only prepare an injection when ready. Also note: if the color or particles of your medicine has changed suddenly please dispose it off accordingly as these could potentially harm. For new medication, call your pharmacist. It may be necessary to have frequent medical tests in order to ensure that this medicine does not cause harmful side effects. These tests may delay your injections. If you are feeling weak, tired, short of breath, light-headed, or if your skin is pale, call your doctor. These symptoms may indicate that your body is no longer responding to darbepoetin. Tell your surgeon if you plan to undergo surgery that you're using darbepoetin. Store in the fridge and away from light. Darbepoetin Alfa should not be frozen. If it is frozen, throw the medicine away.Each vial or prefilled syringe must only be used once before being discarded, even if some medication remains inside it. Use needles/syringes only once, before placing in puncture-proof sharps containers - be sure to adhere to local or state regulations regarding their safe disposal.
Details on dosage
Adult Dose for Anemia Associated With Chronic Renal Failure:
Chronic kidney disease Patients not on dialysis
Initial dose: 0.45 mg/kg IV (or subcutaneously) once every four weeks, as appropriate.
Comments:
Treatment should only be initiated when hemoglobin levels are less than 10 g/dL. The decrease in hemoglobin rate indicates the likelihood of needing an RBC transfusion. Reducing the risk of alloimmunization or other RBC-transfusion-related risks is also a goal.
Dialysis for CKD patients
Initial dose: 0.45 mg/kg intravenously or subcutaneously, once per week. Or 0.75 mg/kg every two weeks.
Comments:
Start treatment if the hemoglobin level is below 10 g/dL.
Patients on hemodialysate are recommended to use the IV route.
Adult dose for anemia associated with chemotherapy:
Initial dose: 2,25 mcg/kg once per week subcutaneously or 500 mcg once every three weeks subcutaneously
Duration of treatment: until completion of the chemotherapy course
Comments:
If hemoglobin levels are less than 10 g/dL and at least 2 months of additional chemotherapy are planned, then initiate treatment.
Use the lowest dosage possible in order to prevent RBC transfusions.
Use: Treatment of patients with non-myeloid cancers where anemia may be due to concomitant myelosuppressive therapy.
Usual pediatric dose for anemia associated with chronic renal failure:
Under 18 years:
Initial dose:
Chronic Kidney Disease Patients (CKD) Not on Dialysis: 0,45 mcg/kg intravenously or subcutaneously every week, or 0.75 mcg/kg every two weeks
CKD patients on dialysis: 0.45 mcg/kg intravenously or subcutaneously, once a week.
Comment: Start treatment if the hemoglobin level is below 10 g/dL.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed a dose, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Contact 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poison ingestion and seek emergency medical assistance if needed.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverages or activities for you to undertake, be sure to comply with their recommendations.
Interaction with other drug
Darbepoetinalfa can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop using.
