Darbepoetin alfa (Systemic)

Brand Names : Aranesp

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For darbepoetin alfa, the following should be considered:

Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to darbepoetin alfa. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes. Also, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to albumin.

Pregnancy - Darbepoetin alfa has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that darbepoetin alfa causes some other problems. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding - It is not known whether darbepoetin alfa passes into human breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children - Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of darbepoetin alfa in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults - This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of darbepoetin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• High blood pressure - May become worse when taking darbepoetin.

• Aluminum poisoning or

• Bone marrow problems or
• Bone problems or
• Cancer or
• Folic acid deficiency or
• Infection or
• Inflammation or
• Vitamin B 12 deficiency - May cause a decrease or delay in response to treatment with darbepoetin alfa.
• Heart or blood vessel disease - May be worsened by taking darbepoetin alfa.
• Blood or bleeding problems (history of) - The safe use of darbepoetin has not been determined for patients with a history of bleeding problems.