Darbepoetin Alfa is a medication indicated to treat anaemia. It was approved for its medical use on 17th September 2001.

Darbepoetin Alfa Injection has been developed to treat anaemia in children and adults with chronic kidney disease (renal failure) and those receiving chemotherapy for non-bone marrow cancers.

Darbepoetin alfa is available in injection form in the doses 25mcg, 40mcg, 60mcg, 100mcg, 200mcg, 500mcg. Your physician will calculate the accurate dose after monitoring your blood counts.

For chronic renal failure, the initial recommended dose is 0.75mcg/kg bodyweight every two weeks or 0.45mcg/kg bodyweight weekly once. For patients not on dialysis the ideal dose is 1.5mcg/kg bodyweight once monthly.

For patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment, the recommended dose is 500mcg once every three weeks or 2.25mcg once weekly.

Darbepoetin alfa causes some side effects like all drugs, although not everyone will experience them. 

Common side effects of Darbepoetin alfa are:

• High blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in the legs or feet
• Coughing
• Low blood pressure during procedures
• Chest pain
• Problems with dialysis access
• Fluid buildup in the body
• Skin rash or redness
• Blood clots in dialysis access sites

Serious side effects of Darbepoetin alfa are:

• Blood clots (e.g., heart attack, lung clot, stroke)
• Very high blood pressure
• Pain at the injection site 
• Seizures in some patients

• Shortness of breath, chest pain, or excessive sweating: These symptoms may indicate serious health issues and require immediate medical attention.
• Monitoring of blood parameters: During Darbepoetin Alfa treatment, your doctor may monitor your blood levels to prevent serious complications.
• History of seizures: If you have a history of seizures, inform your doctor, as this treatment may increase the risk.
• High blood pressure (Hypertension): Darbepoetin Alfa can raise blood pressure, which may need management and monitoring.
• Sickle cell anaemia: If you have this condition, inform your doctor, as it may affect how your body responds to the treatment.
• Liver disorders and hepatitis C: These conditions can affect treatment, so it is important to report them to your doctor.
• Heart failure: If you have heart failure, it’s important to let your doctor know, as this condition may require special attention during treatment.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a baby, tell your physician before using Darbepoetin Alfa. Since the medication has not been tested in pregnant or breastfeeding women, your physician may advise caution when using this injection during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Also, if you have any known allergies, inform your doctor, as Darbepoetin Alfa may cause allergic reactions in some people. If you experience unusual fatigue or low energy levels, seek immediate medical attention, as it could indicate a serious issue.

Darbepoetin Alfa does not interfere with your ability to drive or operate machines. Your doctor will conduct blood tests regularly to determine the accurate dose and frequency at which you should take this medicine.

1. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Hematopoietic agents, 12th edition, 1071 - 1072.
2. Amgen Europe BV, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on Feb 2021] [Accessed on 13th Aug 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6958.pdf
3. Anna Maria Libudzic-Nowak et al., Darbepoetin Alfa in Young Infants With Renal Failure: Single Center Experience, a Case Series and Review of the Literature, Sec. Pediatric Nephrology, Published on 18th Dec 2018, Accessed on 13th Aug 2022, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fped.2018.00398/full

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.