What is the drug Aranesp used for?
Aranesp is a man-made form of the protein human erythropoietin that is given to reduce or avoid the need for red blood cell transfusions. Aranesp stimulates your bone marrow to make more red blood cells. Having more red blood cells raises your hemoglobin level.
How quickly does Aranesp work?
Aranesp® “tells” the cells in your bone marrow to grow into new red blood cells within your bloodstream. Under healthy circumstances, it takes your body time to produce red blood cells (about 26 days 3,4,5,6). Increases in hemoglobin may not be observed until 2-6 weeks after you start taking Aranesp®.
When should I take Aranesp?
Initiate Aranesp treatment when the hemoglobin level is less than 10 g/dL. If the hemoglobin level approaches or exceeds 11 g/dL, reduce or interrupt the dose of Aranesp.
How effective is Aranesp?
SAN FRANCISCO-The anemia drug darbepoetin alfa (ARANESP) effectively alleviates anemia, boosting hemoglobin counts and reducing the need for red blood cell transfusions, according to the results of two separate studies.
What would happen if anemia is not treated?
Anemia if not treated for a long period can lead to serious complications. These include heart failure, severe weakness and poor immunity. Anemia is a medical condition in which the person does not have enough red blood cells or RBCs. The RBCs in the blood carry iron a specialized protein called hemoglobin.
What are the side effects of Aranesp?
Common side effects of Aranesp ® include:
- Shortness of breath.
- Cough.
- Low blood pressure during dialysis.
- Abdominal pain.
- Edema (swelling) of the arms or legs.
What are side effects of Aranesp?
How much is Aranesp?
About Aranesp It is used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney failure and chemotherapy. The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of Aranesp is around $759.98, 20% off the average retail price of $960.12. Compare erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.
What is the recommended dose of Aranesp?
If the hemoglobin level approaches or exceeds 11 g/dL, reduce or interrupt the dose of Aranesp. The recommended starting dose is 0.45 mcg/kg intravenously or subcutaneously as a weekly injection or 0.75 mcg/kg once every 2 weeks as appropriate. The intravenous route is recommended for patients on hemodialysis.
What is Aranesp®?
Aranesp® is a prescription medicine used to treat a lower than normal number of red blood cells (anemia) caused by chronic kidney disease in patients on dialysis and not on dialysis.
Aranesp side effects. signs of a blood clot – pain, swelling, warmth, redness, cold feeling, or pale appearance of an arm or leg; or increased blood pressure – severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, nosebleed.
How do I contact the FDA for Aranesp® (Aranesp)?
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Aranesp ® is a prescription medicine used to treat a lower than normal number of red blood cells (anemia) caused by chronic kidney disease in patients on dialysis and not on dialysis.