Aranesp
® (
darbepoetin alfa) is a prescription medication approved to treat anemia caused by the following:
- Chronic kidney failure (renal failure)
- Chemotherapy in people with cancer.
(Click Aranesp Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
It is made by Amgen, Inc.
It belongs to a group of medications known as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). Aranesp is a man-made version of erythropoietin, a human protein that is produced in the kidneys. Aranesp works by stimulating the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow. It is very similar to
epoetin alfa (
Epogen®,
Procrit®), with a few minor changes to the molecule. These changes make Aranesp long-acting. Aranesp is taken once weekly (or every two or three weeks), while epoetin alfa must be taken more frequently (usually three times a week).
Studies have compared Aranesp to
epoetin alfa (a similar medication) for treating anemia caused by chronic kidney failure. These studies evaluated the efficacy of the medications by measuring the level of hemoglobin (a protein found in red blood cells). These studies showed that Aranesp once weekly produced similar results as epoetin twice weekly. However, Aranesp once weekly seemed to be slightly less effective than epoetin alfa three times a week.
The drug has also been studied for treating anemia caused by chemotherapy in people with cancer. In one study, the efficacy of Aranesp was evaluated by measuring the percentage of people who needed a blood transfusion to treat anemia. In this study, only 26 percent of people taking it needed a blood transfusion, compared to 60 percent of those not taking the medication.
When and How to Take Aranesp
General considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
- Aranesp comes as an injection that is given under the skin (subcutaneously) or by IV infusion.
- It is usually given once a week, once every two weeks, or once every three weeks, depending on several factors.
- In some situations, you may be able to give yourself Aranesp injections (under the skin, not by IV) at home. In this situation, your healthcare provider should teach you exactly how to give yourself the injections.
- Never shake Aranesp, as it is a delicate molecule that could be damaged by shaking.
- You will need regular blood tests while taking Aranesp to see how well the drug is working.
- It is very important that your body has enough iron, otherwise the medication cannot work well. Your healthcare provider may recommend iron supplements in some situations.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The cause of your anemia (chemotherapy or kidney failure)
- How you respond to Aranesp (as measured by blood tests)
- Your weight
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug 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. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Aranesp include, but are not limited to:
(Click Aranesp Side Effects to learn about specific side effects of this drug, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Aranesp
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
- Sickle cell anemia
- Hemolytic anemia
- Thalassemia
- Porphyria
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Breastfeeding.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Aranesp may experience the following effects:
Aranesp should be stored under refrigeration. Do not freeze it, and do not use any Aranesp that has been frozen. When transporting it, be sure to use an insulated container and a coolant (such as a blue ice pack). Make sure the drug does not directly touch the coolant, in order to prevent it from freezing. Also, be sure to keep Aranesp away from light until you are just ready to use it. Light can destroy the delicate Aranesp molecules. Because the medication contains no preservatives, you should not save any of the solution left over from an injection.
Keep Aranesp and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Aranesp as scheduled, contact your healthcare provider. Depending on how much time has passed (as well as other factors, such as your latest blood tests), your healthcare provider will give you further instructions.
Aranesp comes in single-dose vials and single-dose SureClick™ autoinjectors. Both forms are available in the following strengths:
- Aranesp 25 mcg
- Aranesp 40 mcg
- Aranesp 60 mcg
- Aranesp 100 mcg
- Aranesp 150 mcg
- Aranesp 200 mcg
- Aranesp 300 mcg
- Aranesp 500 mcg.
If your dose is not exactly one of the strengths listed above, you must use the single-use vials, since the dose of the autoinjectors cannot be adjusted. Each Aranesp product is available in two forms which differ in their inactive ingredients (one has albumin, while the other has polysorbate).
Is There a Generic Version of Aranesp?
Currently, there is no generic version licensed for sale
(see Generic Aranesp).
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