Aranesp
(darbepoetin alfa)
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Treats anemia.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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Our bottom line
Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) is effective at treating low red blood cell count, but it might cause tumor growth and raise risk of blood clots.
Quick facts about Aranesp
- Drug class: Hematopoietic
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) is a good choice for your anemia if you have kidney problems or cancer that hasn't responded to other medications.
- Injected less frequently than the alternative medicine.
- This medicine is not as likely to cause an allergic reaction because it doesn't contain an ingredient called albumin unlike its alternative option.
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Downsides
- Has many serious side effects that could lead to life-threatening clots.
- Only available as an injectable and is very expensive.
- Your blood has to be constantly monitored.
- You must have a good amount of iron in your blood before you can start this medicine.
- In studies, Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) did not improve a person's quality of life or survival any better than a placebo
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What to expect from Aranesp, on one page
Download Fact SheetHow it works
Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) is a hematopoietic agent. It helps your body produce more red blood cells by increasing the number of premature red blood cells.
Quick facts about Aranesp
- Drug class: Hematopoietic
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
- Anemia due to chemotherapy
- Anemia of chronic kidney failure
- Anemia due to myelodysplastic syndromes
Dosage forms
- Injection
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Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.Prices and coupons for 1 (4-vials-of-25mcg-ml) carton of Aranesp near
Pay as low as$791.23Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$760.43
- CostcoGet free coupon$779.73
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$798.98
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat to expect when you take Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) for Chronic kidney disease anemia
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Low blood pressure during injection
- Rash or swelling in injection site
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Swelling in arms and legs
- High blood pressure
Side effect rates for Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa)
From 2112 clinical trials of Aranesp when taken for anemia associated with non-myeloid malignancies (varied from once weekly to once every 4 weeks)
- Any blood clot event6%6%4%4%
- Blood clot in vein5%5%4%4%
- Stroke2%2%2%2%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
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80%
Where we got our data »
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Aranesp.
Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa)
Placebo
People taking Aranesp felt side effect more
People taking Aranesp felt side effect less
No difference
Risks and Warnings for Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) can raise your chance of death by blood clots. To prevent this, make sure you're regularly seeing your doctor and getting blood tests.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Means that some groups have a high risk of experiencing this side effect
Pharmacist Q&A
Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) questions for
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats anemia (low red blood cell count) caused by cancer in people currently undergoing chemotherapy.Common concerns from people taking Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Kidneys and liver
- Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) is a good choice for your anemia if you have kidney problems or cancer that hasn't responded to other medications.