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Darbepoetin review
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Darbepoetin alfa is a synthetic erythropoietin used in the treatment of anemia. It works by promoting the growth of new red blood cells. Using this medication may reduce the need for red blood cell transplants for patients undergoing certain chemotherapies. Chemotherapy can often kill normal healthy cells including red blood cells along with the cancer cells. This reduction in red blood cells can cause anemia. Darbepoetin alfa treats the anemia by inducing the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells to replace those lost in chemotherapy.
Darbepoetin is marketed under the brand name Aranesp and is available in intravenous injections.
Darbepoetin alfa is specifically indicated for the treatment of anemia resulting from renal failure as well as cancer chemotherapy. When the kidneys are damaged, there may not be enough erythropoietin in the body, causing a decreased production of red blood cells. This causes anemia in these patients. Darbepoetin alfa acts as a synthetic counterpart for erythropoietin and stimulates the production of new red blood cells.
Dosage for darbepoetin alfa will depend on body weight, medical history and overall response to therapy – thus making it variable from one patient to another. Darbepoetin alfa may be injected subcutaneously or intravenously. If you are going to administer the injections on your own, it is important then to read the instructions outlined in the patient information booklet. Do not shake the contents of the injection nor use it if any particles or discoloration are visible.
Initially, if used to correct anemia, a single weekly dose of 0.45 mcg/kg body weight is given, or a dose of 0.75 mcg/kg every 2 weeks for those not receiving dialysis as part of their treatment for renal failure. Maintenance doses after the initial treatment will be determined by the response to therapy which is indicated by hemoglobin levels.
For treating anemia resulting from chemotherapy, The usual initial dose for darbepoetin alfa is either 2.25-mcg/kg subcutaneous injection once a week or a 500 mcg subcutaneous injection every 3 weeks.
It may take up to 4 weeks of treatment to observe the full benefit, so do not attempt to modify the dose without explicit instructions from your doctor.
Side effects which may be experienced may include headache, diarrhea, constipation, or cough. Consult with your doctor if you experience these more serious side effects: pain or swelling at the injection site, body pain, unusual fatigue or swelling of the limbs. Seek medical attention if you experience these severe symptoms: fever, chills and other flu-like symptoms, irregular heartbeat, blurring of vision, severe pain in the chest area, shortness of breath and pain in the lower extremities
Warnings have been issued regarding certain risks inherent with the use of darbepoetin alfa. For patients suffering from renal failure, there are greater risks for death and serious cardiovascular conditions occurring when administering erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to achieve higher hemoglobin levels.
For patients being treated for anemia resulting from cancer therapy, ESA use have been observe to shorten overall survival and/or increase the chance of tumor growth or even recurrence in some patients suffering from certain cancers such as in the breast, lung, head/neck, lymph nodes, and cervix.
The risk for cardiovascular disorders and blood clots forming increase with the use of darbepoetin alfa. It is advised to use only the lowest possible dose to avoid elevating these risks. Use ESAs only in treating anemia cases resulting from concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy and discontinue darbepoetin treatment upon completion of chemotherapy.
• Molecular formula of darbepoetin alfa is C815H1317N233O241S5
• Molecular weight is 18396.1 g/mol
• Darbepoetin alfa available : 25mcg tablets, 40mcg tablets, 60mcg tablets, 100mcg tablets, 150mcg tablets, 200mcg tablets, 300mcg tablets and 500mcg tablets
Review published on: 11 July 2009
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