Darbepoetin Alfa
About Darbepoetin Alfa
Darbepoetin Alfa belongs to the class of medication called 'blood-forming agent' primarily used to treat anaemia (low red blood cell count) in person with long-term serious (chronic) kidney disease and persons receiving chemotherapy for some types of cancer (except for bone marrow or blood cells' cancer). Darbepoetin Alfa helps to reverse anaemia and reduce the need for blood transfusion. Anaemia occurs when the body has a lower amount of red blood cells or haemoglobin. In chronic kidney disease, the kidney gets damaged and doesn't filter the blood, leading to anaemia.
Darbepoetin Alfa contains a protein 'Darbepoetin alfa' which works by providing signals to the bone marrow to make more red blood cells. Darbepoetin Alfa is a biologic response modifier and erythropoiesis-stimulating protein. In chronic kidney disease, when the kidney fails to produce sufficient 'erythropoietin protein' which aids in the formation of red blood cells, Darbepoetin Alfa stimulates the production of this protein in the bone marrow.
Darbepoetin Alfa will be injected by the healthcare provider. Do not self-administer. The most common side effects of Darbepoetin Alfa are shortness of breath, cough, low blood pressure during dialysis, headache, body aches, diarrhoea, injection site pain and abdominal pain. Most of these sides effects of Darbepoetin Alfa do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
If you have uncontrolled/untreated high blood pressure or red cell aplasia (a type of anaemia) due to darbepoetin alfa or epoetin alfa, please inform your doctor before taking Darbepoetin Alfa to avoid any complications. Also, mention all the other medications you are taking to affect the way Darbepoetin Alfa works. Inform your doctor immediately, if you feel weak, lightheaded, tired, or short of breath, or if your skin looks pale as it may be signs that the body has stopped responding to Darbepoetin Alfa.
Uses of Darbepoetin Alfa
Medicinal Benefits
Darbepoetin Alfa is a human-made form of naturally occurring erythropoiesis-stimulating protein or erythropoietin (a hormone produced by the kidney's specialized cells and is responsible for protecting red blood cells against destruction and also stimulates the cells of bone marrow to produce more amount of red blood cells). Deficiency of erythropoietin happens when a person is suffering from chronic kidney diseases, which in turn cause low red blood cells count causing anaemia. This medicine is primarily indicated for treating anaemia (low red blood cell count) in persons with long-term serious (chronic) kidney disease and persons receiving chemotherapy for some types of cancer except for bone marrow or blood cells' cancer. Darbepoetin Alfa contains a protein 'Darbepoetin alfa' which works by providing signals to the bone marrow to make more red blood cells.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Darbepoetin Alfa
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Headache
- Body aches
- Diarrhoea
- Injection site pain
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Anaemia: It occurs when the body has a lower amount of red blood cells or haemoglobin than normal haemoglobin (iron-rich the protein responsible for allowing red blood cells to carry more oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body). In chronic kidney disease, the kidney gets damaged and doesn't filter the blood, leading to anaemia. Symptoms of anaemia in chronic kidney disease include fatigue or tiredness, shortness of breath, ashen skin, weakness, body aches, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, sleep problems, and trouble in concentrating.
FAQs
It is suggested to store the Darbepoetin Alfa in the refrigerator and protect it from light. However, a person should not freeze it.
It is advised to tell your doctor about your medical conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, a stroke, heart attack, or blood clot, a seizure, a latex allergy to avoid any type of medical condition.
A person who is allergic to any chemical compound present in Darbepoetin Alfa or have uncontrolled/untreated high blood pressure, or ever had pure red cell aplasia (a type of anaemia) caused by using darbepoetin alfa, or epoetin alfa is not allowed to take a name.
Consult your doctor before taking Darbepoetin Alfa if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Your doctor will prescribe Darbepoetin Alfa only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Darbepoetin Alfa contains a protein 'Darbepoetin alfa', which works by providing signals to the bone marrow to make more red blood cells. As in chronic kidney disease, the kidney gets damaged and doesn't filter the blood in the way it should be leading to anemia.
