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CHEMICAL NAME
DARBEPOETIN ALFA.
INDICATIONS
Darbepoetin alfa is used to treat low red blood cell counts (anemia) either in people with long-term kidney failure (chronic renal failure) or in people with certain types of cancer (non-myeloid) who are receiving chemotherapy. It works by stimulating the bone marrow to make more red blood cells.
DIRECTIONS
Learn how to prepare and inject the drug and review the darbepoetin alfa Patient Information Booklet. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not shake the vial or syringe and do not mix this drug with IV solutions or other injectable drugs. Consult your pharmacist. Inject this medication into a vein (IV) or under the skin (SC) usually once weekly or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to therapy. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because doing so may increase your chance for serious side effects. It may take up to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS
Headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cough, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blurred vision, flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, sore throat, muscle aches), irregular heartbeat, pain/irritation/redness/bruising at the injection site, pain/redness of arms or legs, severe chest pain, shortness of breath, other pain (e.g., muscle, joint, back, stomach, or chest pain), swelling of the arms/legs, unusual tiredness/weakness. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: seizures, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Darbepoetin is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: uncontrolled high blood pressure. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart problems, other blood disorders (e.g., blood clots, sickle cell anemia, porphyria), vitamin deficiencies (e.g., B-12, folate), seizures, high blood pressure (treated or controlled), recent infections or injury, cancer, inflammatory conditions (e.g., bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis), any allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
INFORMATION
Do not share this medication with others. Store refrigerated between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C) away from light. Do not freeze or shake the vials or syringes. Discard any unused portion of the vial or syringe.
NOTES
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,pharmacist,or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before taking the product.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other blood-related products (e.g., erythropoietin alfa). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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