Aranesp (Darbepoetin)
What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
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Prescription Required
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Product Details
Description
Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) is an injectable medication that is given to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease or chemotherapy that decreases bone marrow activity and will be used for at least two months after starting Aranesp.
Aranesp is administered intravenously by a healthcare provider. It may also be given as a subcutaneous injection (underneath the skin) at home once you or a caregiver has been properly trained on its use.
Fact Table
Formula
C815H1317N233O241S5
License
US FDA
Bioavailability
37% (subcutaneous), 54% (intravenous)
Legal status
Prescription only
Chemical Name
Darbepoetin alfa
Elimination half-life
21 hours (IV), 46 hours (SC)
Dosage (Strength)
10 mcg, 25 mcg, 40 mcg, 60 mcg, 100 mcg, 200 mcg, 300 mcg
Pregnancy
Consult a doctor
Brands
Aranesp
Protein binding
Low (<10%)
PubChem CID
16134722
MedlinePlus
a619013
ChEBI
CHEBI:37956
ATC code
B03XA02
DrugBank
DB00073
KEGG
D03209
Routes of administration
Subcutaneous, Intravenous
Directions
Use Aranesp as directed by your doctor, who will determine an appropriate dose for you.
A healthcare provider should teach you or a caregiver how to properly store, prepare, administer, and discard Aranesp. The medication should be injected subcutaneously in the outer area of the upper arms, abdomen, front of the middle thighs, or upper outer area of the buttocks.
Do not share Aranesp products, needles, or syringes with other people.
For additional instructions for use, refer to the medication guide that accompanies your Aranesp prescription.
Do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor or pharmacist about any questions or concerns that arise.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Aranesp is darbepoetin alfa, an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA).
Inactive ingredients include polysorbate 80, sodium chloride, sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, and sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate in Water for Injection, USP.
Contraindications
Patients with any of the following should not receive Aranesp:
- High blood pressure that is not controlled
- Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that starts after treatment with Aranesp or other erythropoietin protein medications
- Serious allergic reactions to the medication
Cautions
- Aranesp contains the following FDA Boxed Warning:
- Chronic Kidney Disease:
- Controlled trials showed that when ESAs were administered to patients to target a hemoglobin level of greater than 11 g/dL, the risks for death, serious adverse cardiovascular reactions, and stroke were greater.
- A hemoglobin target level, Aranesp dose, or dosing strategy that does not increase these risks has not been identified in any trials.
- The lowest Aranesp dose that sufficiently reduces the need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions should be used.
- Cancer:
- The overall survival was shortened and/or the risk of tumor progression or recurrence was increased by ESAs in clinical studies of patients with breast, non-small cell lung, head and neck, lymphoid, and cervical cancers.
- The lowest Aranesp dose should be used to avoid RBC transfusions.
- ESAs should only be used for anemia from chemotherapy that decreases bone marrow activity.
- ESAs are not used for patients receiving chemotherapy that decreases bone marrow activity when cure is the anticipated outcome.
- The medication should be stopped after completing the course of chemotherapy.
- Before you begin Aranesp drug, tell your doctor about:
- All the prescription and over-the-counter medications you take
- Your allergies
- Your current health problems and past medical history
- Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status
- Aranesp contains the following warnings and precautions:
- Increased death, heart attack, stroke, and blood clots when Aranesp is used to target a hemoglobin level that is greater than 11 g/dL
- Increased death and/or risk of progression or recurrence of tumors in cancer patients
- High blood pressure
- Seizures
- PRCA
- Serious allergic reactions
- Severe cutaneous reactions
Side Effects
High blood pressure, shortness of breath, swelling, cough, low blood pressure during surgery, stomach pain, and blood clots in the blood vessels are possible Aranesp side effects. However, other side effects may also occur. Immediately tell your doctor about any side effects that bother you or won’t go away.
You can buy Aranesp right here with a valid prescription from your doctor.
Reference
Aranesp. Thousand Oaks, CA: Amgen Inc.; 2024.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 10074
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