What is this medicine for

This medication is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent, prescribed for anemia due to chronic kidney disease. It stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells.

How does it work

Darbepoetin alpha fires up the bone marrow to make red blood cells

How should this medicine be used

SCIV- The initial dose is 0.45 mcgkg body weight, as a single injection once weekly. For patients not receiving dialysis: The initial dose is 0.75 mcgkg as a single injection once every 2 weeks. It comes as a solution for injection to be administered by a healthcare provider into the vein or under the skin.

Common side effects of this medicine

High or low blood pressure. Swelling. Irritation where the shot is given. Belly pain. Cough.

What do I do if I miss a dose

Many times this drug is taken on an as needed basis.

What precautions should I take when taking this medicine

If you have an allergy to darbepoetin alfa or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you have very high blood pressure. If you have a kind of anemia called Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA). If you have a latex allergy, talk with your doctor.

When do I need to seek medical help

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat. Trouble breathing. Change in strength on 1 side is greater than the other, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, or blurred eyesight. Very bad dizziness or passing out. Swelling, warmth, or pain in the leg or arm. Seizures. Very bad headache. Feeling very tired or weak. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.