Darbepoetin Alfa
Darbepoetin alfa is a synthetic form of erythropoietin. It stimulates erythropoiesis (increases red blood cell levels) and is used to treat anemia, commonly associated with chronic renal failure and cancer chemotherapy. Darbepoetin alfa is a medication used to treat anemia, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease or those undergoing chemotherapy. Darbepoetin alfa is a synthetic form of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. It belongs to the class of drugs known as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).-Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Used to treat anemia in patients with CKD who are on dialysis or not on dialysis. -Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia: Administered to reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving chemotherapy. -Anemia due to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and due to chemotherapy in patients with cancer
-Dosage may vary based on the specific medical condition and individual patient response. It is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion. The healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage for each patient. -Patient with CKD on dialysis 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. Patient with CKD not on dialysis The recommended starting dose is 0.45 mcg/kg body weight intravenously or subcutaneously given once at four week intervals as appropriate. Pediatric patient with CKD The recommended starting dose for pediatric patients (less than18 years) is 0.45 mcg/kg body weight administered as a single subcutaneous or intravenous injection once weekly; patients not receiving dialysis may also be initiated at a dose of 0.75 mcg/kg once every 2 weeks. Patient on cancer Chemotherapy The recommended starting dose and schedules are: • 2.25 mcg/kg every week subcutaneously until completion of a chemotherapy course • 500 mcg every 3 weeks subcutaneously until completion of a chemotherapy course
Uncontrolled hypertension, Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), Serious allergic reactions
-Cardiovascular Events: Use with caution in patients with a history of cardiovascular events. -Thrombotic Events: Increased risk of thrombotic events; closely monitor patients with a history of thrombosis. Seizures: Seizures have been reported; use cautiously in patients with a history of seizures. Pediatric:- The safety and efficacy were similar between adults and pediatric patients with CKD while in cancer the safety and efficacy is not established Pregnancy:-Category C Lactation :- Not known if excreted in milk, caution to be exercised Elderly:- No differences in safety or efficacy were observed between older and younger patients.
-Common side effects may include: Hypertension Headache Edema Nausea Fever -Serious side effects may include: Cardiovascular events Thrombotic events Pure red cell aplasia (rare but serious) -Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, and Thromboembolism, Increased Risk of Tumor Progression or Recurrence in Patients with Cancer, Hypertension, Seizures, PRCA, Serious allergic reaction
Anticoagulants: Increased risk of bleeding when used concurrently with anticoagulants. Immunosuppressive Agents: May increase the risk of infections when used with immunosuppressive agents. Iron Supplements: Adequate iron stores are essential for optimal response.
