Aranesp 40 mcg 4 syringes are used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease or cancer in patients undergoing chemotherapy, as it enhances the production of red blood cells in the body.
Ready-to-use Aranesp injections contain 40 micrograms of darbepoetin alfa, an active ingredient that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the body.
Aranesp is used to treat:
Anemia associated with chronic kidney disease in adults and children.
Anemia caused by chemotherapy in cancer patients with non-myeloid malignancies.
Aranesp is administered via intravenous (IV) injection or subcutaneous (SC) injection.
Initial dose for chronic kidney disease with dialysis: 0.45 mcg per kg of body weight once weekly, or 0.75 mcg per kg every two weeks.
IV injection is preferred in dialysis patients.
Initial dose for chronic kidney disease without dialysis: 0.45 mcg per kg of body weight once every 4 weeks, either IV or SC.
Initial dose for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: 2.25 mcg per kg of body weight once weekly via SC injection, or 500 mcg once every 3 weeks via SC injection.
Aranesp injections may cause some side effects, such as:
High blood pressure
Shortness of breath
Peripheral edema
Cough
Abdominal pain
Aranesp should not be used in cases of:
Hypersensitivity to any of its components
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) following treatment with Aranesp or other erythropoiesis-stimulating agents
Store in a refrigerator at 2–8°C
Do not freeze
Keep in the original packaging, protected from light
Can be kept at room temperature (25°C) for up to 7 days only. After that, it must be discarded