Aranesp
(darbepoetin alfa)
Treats anemia.
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.
- 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.
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
What to expect from Aranesp, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- 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
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
What to expect from Aranesp, on one page
Download Fact SheetAranesp (darbepoetin alfa) is a hematopoietic agent. It helps your body produce more red blood cells by increasing the number of premature red blood cells.
- 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
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$1264.79
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$1271.67
What 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)
- Any blood clot event6%6%4%4%
- Blood clot in vein5%5%4%4%
- Stroke2%2%2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Aranesp.
People taking Aranesp felt side effect more
People taking Aranesp felt side effect less
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.
Pharmacist Q&A
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?- Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) is a good choice for your anemia if you have kidney problems or cancer that hasn't responded to other medications.