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Darbepoetin alfa
Pronounced dar-be-POE-e-tin AL-fah
Brand names: Aranesp
Type: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (anemia injection) · All Kidney & Dialysis Medicines
What Darbepoetin alfa is used for
- Anemia of chronic kidney disease, including on dialysis
- Anemia from chemotherapy
◆ Kidney note
Replaces the erythropoietin the kidneys no longer make; iron status is checked so the medicine can work.
Common side effects
- Raised blood pressure
- Headache
- Swelling
- Injection site pain
Important cautions
- Raising hemoglobin too high increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and clots — targets are deliberately kept moderate and monitored
- A longer-acting form of epoetin, given less often
How it comes
Injection under the skin or into a vein. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.
Related medicines — Kidney & Dialysis Medicines
Condition guides on MedicalVideos.com
Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.