darbepoetin alfa - injection, Aranesp

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GENERIC NAME: DARBEPOETIN ALFA - INJECTION (DAR-boh-poh-EE-tin AL-fuh)

BRAND NAME(S): Aranesp

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Discuss the risks and benefits of use for darbepoetin alfa with your doctor, as this medication may rarely cause very serious side effects, including blood clots. It will be very important to keep all laboratory test appointments, as your doctor will need to carefully check your red blood cell tests (hemoglobin). The lowest effective dose of this medication should be used. When used to treat anemia related to cancer, this medication should be stopped after completing a treatment course of chemotherapy as directed by your doctor.

USES: This medication is used to treat anemia (low red blood cell count) in people with long-term serious kidney disease (chronic renal failure) and people receiving chemotherapy for some types of cancer (non-myeloid cancers). Darbepoetin alfa helps to reverse anemia and improves your energy and activity level. It also helps to reduce the need for blood transfusions. It works by signaling the bone marrow to make more red blood cells. This medication is very similar to the natural substance in your body (erythropoietin) that prevents anemia.

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