Aranesp Side Effects

Headaches, muscle pain, and fatigue are some of the most common side effects that have been seen with Aranesp. Side effects of the drug are typically minor and don't require treatment in most cases. There are, however, a number of potentially serious Aranesp side effects that should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately, such as seizures, high blood pressure, or an irregular heart rhythm.

 

Aranesp Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Aranesp® (darbepoetin alfa); however, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Aranesp. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Aranesp side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Aranesp

Aranesp has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which side effects are carefully documented. In these studies, the most common side effects of Aranesp included:
 
  • Fatigue -- in up to 44 percent of people
  • Infection -- up to 27 percent
  • Diarrhea -- up to 22 percent
  • Muscle pain -- up to 21 percent
  • Fever -- up to 19 percent
  • Constipation -- up to 18 percent
  • Headaches -- up to 16 percent.
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Other common Aranesp side effects (occurring in 5 to 15 percent of people) included:
 
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Joint pain
  • Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
  • Arm or leg pain
  • Back pain
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Infection, bleeding, or pain at the injection or IV site
  • Dehydration.
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(Aranesp Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;