How safe is Aranesp?
Aranesp increases the risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism, and thrombosis of vascular access and tumor progression or recurrence. Aranesp can also lead to an increase in adverse cardiovascular events, hypertension, seizures, and severe anemia.
When should you not give Aranesp?
Call your healthcare provider if you have unusual tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, or fainting. You may need to stop taking Aranesp. Serious allergic reactions.
Who should not take Aranesp?
Do not take Aranesp ® if you: Have high blood pressure that is not controlled (uncontrolled hypertension). Have been told by your healthcare provider that you have, or have ever had a type of anemia called Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA) that starts after treatment with Aranesp ® or other erythropoietin medicines.
What are the side effects of darbepoetin?
Side Effects Headache, body aches, diarrhea, cough, stomach/abdominal pain, or injection site pain may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
How quickly does Aranesp work?
It may take 2 to 6 weeks before your red blood cell count increases.
Is there an alternative to Aranesp?
The popular anemia drugs, Epogen and Procrit (epoetin alfa), will soon have a less expensive alternative, Retacrit. Epogen and Procrit are specialty medications used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD) or chemotherapy, but they don’t come cheap.
How do you know if Aranesp is working?
You will be asked to have blood tests that will check the number of red blood cells your body is producing. The blood tests will see if Aranesp® is working and if your hemoglobin level is getting too high. Your doctor may refer to the results of your blood tests as hemoglobin and hematocrit.
How quickly does darbepoetin work?
Darbepoetin alfa injection will help to control your anemia only as long as you continue to use it. It may take 2-6 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of darbepoetin alfa injection.
Can Aranesp cause kidney failure?
Aranesp may sometimes cause or worsen high blood pressure, especially in patients with long-term kidney failure….Table 5. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 5% of Patients with CKD.
| Adverse Reaction | Patients Treated with Aranesp (n = 766) |
|---|---|
| Hypertension | 31% |
| Dyspnea | 17% |
| Peripheral edema | 17% |
| Cough | 12% |
Does Aranesp cause weight gain?
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizures.
Can Aranesp cause confusion?
Get medical help right away if any of these side effects occur: shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, confusion, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, sudden/severe headaches, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes.
How long does Aranesp last?
Keep your Aranesp in the refrigerator (between 2 and 8°C), but not in the freezer. Do not shake. Protect from light. You can use Aranesp if it has been left out of the refrigerator, for no longer than 2 days at room temperature (up to 30°C).
Are there any side effects of taking Aranesp?
High blood pressure that is not controlled by other medicines. Allergies to other erythropoietin products, Aranesp, medicines made using mammalian cells, or to any of the other ingredients in Aranesp listed at the end of this leaflet. Swelling of the face, lips, mouth tongue or throat.
Which is the active ingredient in Aranesp medicine?
The active ingredient of Aranesp is darbepoetin alfa that works in exactly the same way as the natural hormone erythropoietin. It will take your body a short time to make red blood cells, so it will be about 4 weeks before you notice any effect.
How does Aranesp and darbepoetin alfa work?
ESAs work like the human protein erythropoietin, which stimulates bone marrow to make red blood cells. Aranesp increases the risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism, and thrombosis of vascular access and tumor progression or recurrence.
How is Aranesp used in the treatment of anemia?
Aranesp ( darbepoetin alfa) is a man-made form of a protein that helps your body produce red blood cells. This protein may be reduced when you have kidney failure or use certain medications. When fewer red blood cells are produced, you can develop a condition called anemia. Aranesp is used to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy…