Darbepoetin Alfa

Indications
 Parenteral
Anaemia of chronic renal failure
Adult: Initially, 0.45 mcg/kg SC/IV once wkly, adjust according to response by approx 25% of initial dose at intervals of at least 4 wk. Hemoglobin rise >2.5 g/100 ml/mth: Reduce dose by 25-50%; >14 g/100 ml: Suspend until it falls <12 g/100 ml then start with dose at 25% below previous dose.
Child: >11 yr: Initially, 0.45 mcg/kg SC/IV once wkly, adjust according to response by approx 25% of initial dose at intervals of at least 4 wk. Haemoglobin rise >2.5 g/100 ml/mth: Reduce dose by 25-50%; >14 g/100 ml: Suspend until it falls <12 g/100 ml then start with dose at 25% lesser than previous dose.
Subcutaneous
Anaemia in chemotherapy patients
Adult: Initial dose: 2.25 mcg/kg once wkly, may increase to 4.5 mcg/kg/wk if response is insufficient after 4-6 wk. Continue until 4 wk after end of chemotherapy. Discontinue if response remains inadequate after further 4 wk. Suspend treatment if haemoglobin >14 g/100 mL until it falls <12 g/100 mL and reinstate at 25% below the previous dose.

Special Populations: Renal impairment: Dosage in patients with chronic renal failure who do not need dialysis is lower than those who need dialysis.
Contraindications
 Hypersensitivity, uncontrolled hypertension.
Warnings / Precautions
 Pregnancy and lactation, children. Hypertension; history of seizures; hepatic impairment; sickle cell anaemia; sudden stabing migraine-like pain (warning sign of hypotensive crisis); exclude other causes of anaemia; ischaemic vascular disease; thrombocytosis; epilepsy; malignant disease; increase in heparin dose may be needed; increased risk of thrombosis when used for anaemia before orthopedic surgery; CV disease including recent MI/cerebrovascular accident. Monitor haemoglobin, BP and electrolytes; platelet count for 1st 8 wk.
Adverse Reactions
 Hypertension, hypotension, chest pain, fatigue, fever, headache, dizziness, GI effects; myalgia, arthralgia, limb pain; skin reactions; shunt reactions, hyperkalaemia; dyspnea, cough, bronchitis; infection; transient increase in platelet count; influenza-like symptoms; peripheral oedema; Inj site pain.
Overdose Reactions
 No overdosage symptoms reported so far as it has wide therapeutic margin. In the event of polycythaemia, treatment may be temporarily withheld. Phlebotomy may be performed if clinically indicated.
Drug Interactions
 Antagonism of hypotensive effect and increased risk of hyperkalemia with ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Ethanol.
See Below for More darbepoetin alfa Drug Interactions
Mechanism of Actions
 Darbepoetin alfa is a biosynthetic form of erythropoietin. It stimulates the division and differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells; reticulocytes are released from the bone marrow and matures into erythrocytes thereby regulating erythropoiesis.
Absorption: IM admin: Slow absorption and bioavailability is about 37%.
Excretion: Terminal half-lives: 21 hr (IV admin) and 49 hr (SC admin).
Storage Conditions
 Parenteral: Store at 2-8°C. Subcutaneous: Store at 2-8°C.
ATC Classification
 B03XA02 - darbepoetin alfa ; Belongs to the class of other antianemic preparations.
Storage
 Parenteral: Store at 2-8°C. Subcutaneous: Store at 2-8°C.
Available As
  • Darbepoetin Alfa 25 mcg
  • Darbepoetin Alfa 40 mcg

    • Subscribe for latest updates

    Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter to receive updates.

    No comments yet.

    Post Review about Darbepoetin Alfa


    Darbepoetin Alfa Containing Brands

    We are Developing Our database, More results coming soon.

    Darbepoetin Alfa is used in following diseases

    We are Developing Our database, More results coming soon.

    Drug - Drug Interactions of Darbepoetin Alfa

    We are Developing Our database, More results coming soon.