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Overview: Aranesp is used to treat anemia. Common side effects include coughing, stomach pain, and fluid retention in the arms or legs. Serious side effects are rare but include blood clots, seizures, and severe skin reactions. Aranesp is a shot that may be given under your skin by either you, your caregiver, or your health care provider.

Uses

What is Aranesp used for?

Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) is commonly used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease or certain cancer chemotherapy treatments.

Aranesp may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Aranesp work (mechanism of action)?

Aranesp is a hormone that tells your body to make more red blood cells.

How is Aranesp supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Aranesp

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 25 mcg, 40 mcg, 60 mcg, 100 mcg, and 200 mcg single-dose vials
  • 10 mcg/0.4 mL, 25 mcg/0.42 mL, 40 mcg/0.4 mL, 60 mcg/0.3 mL, 100 mcg/0.5 mL, 150 mcg/0.3 mL, 200 mcg/0.4 mL, 300 mcg/0.6 mL, and 500 mcg/1 mL prefilled syringes

How should I store Aranesp?

Aranesp should be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Keep it in the carton it comes in to protect the medicine from light. Do not freeze or shake it.

Use single-use vials and prefilled syringes one time. Throw away any medicine that is left after a dose is given.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Aranesp?

The most common side effects of Aranesp are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing
  • Stomach pain
  • Fluid retention in the arms or legs
  • Low blood pressure when you get dialysis

There may be other side effects of Aranesp that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Aranesp?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Aranesp are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Aranesp may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Aranesp and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Aranesp may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Keep all appointments to have your blood pressure checked and follow any health care provider instructions about your blood pressure. Call your health care provider if your blood pressure increases while you’re using this medicine.

Seizures. Some people who have used Aranesp have reported having seizures. There are many types of seizures, and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop using Aranesp and call your health care provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Severe Skin Reactions. Aranesp can cause severe skin reactions, called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you get a rash, stop Aranesp and call your health care provider right away. Stop using Aranesp and get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms including a fever, chills, and muscle aches

Blood Clots. Aranesp may cause blood clots in your arteries or veins and could cause a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism, including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), deep venous thrombosis (DVT), or a blood clot in your dialysis access site. Stop using Aranesp and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of blood clots.

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
  • Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or leg
  • Vision loss
  • Bulging eyes 
  • Double vision
  • Your dialysis access site no longer works

Heart Failure. Aranesp may increase your risk of heart failure. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.

  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Unusually fast weight gain
  • Unusual tiredness

Anemia. Aranesp may cause pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), a condition that can lead to severe anemia. This can happen if your body makes antibodies to Aranesp, which can cause you to be less able to make red blood cells. People with chronic kidney disease who get Aranesp injected under the skin may be at higher risk. You may also have low levels of other types of blood cells. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of anemia.

  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Shortness of breath

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Aranesp?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Aranesp.

  • Aranesp
  • Darbepoetin alfa
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Aranesp.

High Blood Pressure. Aranesp should not be used if you have high blood pressure that is not controlled, such as with medicines.

Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA). Aranesp should not be used if you have or have had pure red cell aplasia due to treatment with Aranesp or a similar medicine.

What should I know about Aranesp before using it?

Do not use Aranesp unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. Always use a new prefilled syringe. Reuse of syringes may increase your risk of infection. 

Do not share Aranesp with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Aranesp out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Do not use Aranesp that has been frozen or shaken.

This medicine is injected into a blood vessel or under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Aranesp. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

When used to treat anemia related to cancer, this medication may also increase the risk of death or cause your tumor to grow faster. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using Aranesp?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Aranesp is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Cancer
  • Heart problems
  • High blood pressure
  • A history of stroke
  • Seizures
  • Dialysis treatment
  • Planned surgery
  • Latex allergy

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Aranesp could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Aranesp while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Aranesp passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Aranesp while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Aranesp?

For more information about Aranesp, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.aranesp.com or call them at 800-772-6436.

Interactions

Does Aranesp interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Aranesp and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Aranesp.

Does Aranesp interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Aranesp may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Aranesp?

If you or someone else has used too much Aranesp, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Aranesp?

If you miss a dose, call your health care provider right away. They can tell you what to do.