• To treat anemia in chronic kidney failure
• To treat anemia caused by chemotherapy

Darbilen 200mcg injection is an erythropoiesis-stimulating protein produced by recombinant DNA technology. It is closely related to erythropoietin and stimulates erythropoiesis by the same mechanism, and both agents bind to progenitor stem cells stimulating the production/differentiation of red blood cells. It works by causing the bone marrow to make more red blood cells. 

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Darbilen 200mcg injection and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. 

• Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C).
• Do not freeze. Store in the original package to protect from light.
• Keep the injection away from the reach of children and pets.
• If you have missed any dosing appointments, inform your doctor and schedule immediately.

This injection is to be given under the skin (subcutaneous). Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional will train you on how to inject yourself with this pre-filled pen. Do not try to inject the pre-filled pen if you are not well-trained. Never inject the medicine into your vein. If you need help to inject the medicine, visit the nearby hospital or clinic. 

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them. 

 Common 

• Swelling in the face and body
• Low blood pressure
• Abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• cough

Serious

• Heart problems
• Severe skin reactions
• Anemia
• Seizure attack
• Lung problems

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine. You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. 

Do not shake the vial or syringe. You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, heart failure, a blood disorder, cancer, any infection, bleeding, or a history of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or seizures. 

1. Aranesp solution for injection in pre-filled pen (SureClick) - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). www.medicines.org.uk. Published March 2022. Accessed May 10, 2023. http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6958/smpc
2. Darbepoetin Alfa.; Revised June 2011. Accessed May 10, 2023. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/103951orig1s5173_103951orig1s5258lbl.pdf
3. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Hematopoietic agents, 12th edition, 1071 - 1072.
4. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Haematinics and Erythropoietin, 7th edition, 2013, 611.