The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Aranesp
® (
darbepoetin alfa) to treat anemia in the following circumstances:
- When it is due to chronic kidney failure (renal failure)
- When it occurs due to chemotherapy in people with cancer.
Aranesp is a synthetic version of erythropoietin, a human protein that is produced in the kidneys. The medication works by stimulating the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow.
Aranesp comes as an injection that is given either under the skin or by IV infusion. It is usually given once a week, once every two weeks, or once every three weeks, depending on various factors. You may be able to give yourself injections of Aranesp at home. In this situation, your healthcare provider should teach you exactly how to give yourself the injections. The IV form of this medicine can only be given by a healthcare provider.
(Click Aranesp to learn more about this drug, including possible side effects, safety considerations, dosing guidelines, and important information for your healthcare provider.)
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