Darbepoetinalfa is used in the treatment of anemia due to chronic kidney disease and anemia due to chemotherapy.
Darbepoetinalfa is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA). It works by stimulating the bone marrow (soft tissue inside the bones which produces red blood cells) to produce more red blood cells.
Major & minor side effects for Darbepoetin Alfa
- Cough
- Stomach pain
- Redness, swelling, bruising, itching, or a lump at the injection site
- Skin rash and itching
- Difficulty in breathing
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
- Excessive tiredness and weakness
- Dizziness and fainting
- Pale skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Irregular heartbeat
- Anxiety
- Convulsions (seizures)
- Burning, numbness, tingling in the arms and feet
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary.
This medicine may interact with many other medicines and may cause severe adverse effects.
This medicine should not be used in cases where an immediate increase in the red blood cell count is desired.
This medicine is not recommended for use in cancer patients who are being treated with biological products or radiation therapy.
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients who are about to undergo a surgery of the heart or blood vessels due to the increased risk of serious and life-threatening adverse effects.
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of cardiovascular diseases due to the increased risk of serious and life-threatening adverse effects.
This medicine can cause seizures in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease.
This medicine may cause severe and life-threatening allergic reactions in some patients.
This medicine should not be used to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL since the risk of serious and life-threatening adverse effects is significantly high.