Uses of undefined

Darbepoetin Alfa Injection has been developed to treat anaemia in children and adults with chronic kidney disease (renal failure) and those receiving chemotherapy for non-bone marrow cancers.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Darbepoetin alfa is available in injection form in the doses 25mcg, 40mcg, 60mcg, 100mcg, 200mcg, 500mcg. Your physician will calculate the accurate dose after monitoring your blood counts.

For chronic renal failure, the initial recommended dose is 0.75mcg/kg bodyweight every two weeks or 0.45mcg/kg bodyweight weekly once. For patients not on dialysis the ideal dose is 1.5mcg/kg bodyweight once monthly.

For patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment, the recommended dose is 500mcg once every three weeks or 2.25mcg once weekly.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain or excessive sweating. During the Darbepoetin Alfa injection treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of seizures, blood pressure, sickle cell anaemia, liver disorders, hepatitis C, allergies or heart failure. Get immediate medical attention if you have any tiredness or lack of energy.

Precautions

Tell your physician if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to have a baby. Darbepoetin Alfa has not been tested in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so it is advisable to exercise caution while using this injection during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Darbepoetin Alfa Injection are high blood pressure, stroke, pain at the site of injection, rash, redness, fluid retention, blood clots, etc. If you experience any allergic reactions such as excessive sweating, chest pain, tremors report to your doctor immediately.

Word Of Advice

Darbepoetin Alfa does not interfere with your ability to drive or operate machines. Your doctor will conduct blood tests regularly to determine the accurate dose and frequency at which you should take this medicine.

Frequently Asked Question

• How is Darbepoetin alfa Injection administered?
• Darbepoetin alfa is available in injection form in the doses 25mcg, 40mcg, 60mcg, 100mcg, 200mcg, 500mcg. Your physician will calculate the accurate dose after monitoring your blood counts. It is administered under the skin or through the vein.

•  What are the common side effects of Darbepoetin alfa?
• High blood pressure, stroke, pain at the site of injection, rash, redness, fluid retention, blood clots, etc are some of the most common side effects one can experience with this treatment.

• What should you not take with Darbepoetin Alfa?
• It is not recommended to take other medicines that stimulate red blood cell production while on this treatment. Tell your physician if you are taking cyclosporine, tacrolimus, vitamin or herbal supplements.

• Who should not take Darbepoetin Alfa Injection?
• Darbepoetin alfa Injection is not recommended for people with a history of seizures, blood pressure, sickle cell anaemia, liver disorders, hepatitis C, allergies or heart failure.

• What should you know before starting Darbepoetin alfa treatment?
• During the Darbepoetin Alfa injection treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood parameters to prevent serious complications. Exercise caution while using this injection during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• How to deal with the side effects of Darbepoetin alfa?
• Monitor your blood pressure regularly and report to your doctor if it is high. Seek medical treatment if your blood pressure is constantly high as high BP increases the risk of blood clots.

• When should you report to your physician?
• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain or excessive sweating.