Darbepoetin alfa (albumin) is used for:
Treating anemia in patients with chronic kidney failure or certain types of cancers. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Darbepoetin alfa (albumin) is similar to the natural protein human erythropoietin. It works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. An increased number of red blood cells may reduce symptoms of anemia.
Do not use darbepoetin alfa (albumin) if:
You are allergic to any ingredient in darbepoetin alfa (albumin) or similar medicines (eg, erythropoietin)You are allergic to products made from mammalian cellsYou have uncontrolled or severe high blood pressure, or you have certain red blood cell problems (eg, certain types of aplasia)Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Side effects:In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by darbepoetin alfa. In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.
Major side effects:
- You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking darbepoetin alfa:
More common:
- Abdominal or stomach pain Accumulation of pusArm, back, or jaw pain Blurred vision Breathing problems (irregular, noisy, or trouble when resting)Chest pain, discomfort, tightness, or heaviness Chills Confusion Cough producing mucus Decrease in the amount of urine Diarrhea Dilated neck veins Dizziness, fainting, or light headedness Dry mouth Fast, slow, or irregular heart beat Fatigue or tiredness (extreme or unusual)Fever Headache Nausea Pain, tenderness, swelling, or warmth over injection site Pounding in the ears Rapid breathing Rapid or pounding pulse Shortness of breath Skin discoloration at the injection site Sunken eyes Sweating Swelling of the ankles, face, fingers, feet, hands, or lower legs Thirst Trouble with breathing Unconsciousness Vomiting Weight gain Wheezing Wrinkled skin
Less common:
Anxiety Convulsions Difficulty with speaking (slow speech or unable to speak)Double vision Trouble with thinking Trouble with walking Unable to move the arms, legs, or face muscles (including numbness and tingling)Rare Fever and sore throat Hives Itching Pale skin Skin rash Unusual tiredness or weakness
Minor side effects:
Some of the side effects that can occur with darbepoetin alfa may not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine during treatment these side effects may go away. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, check with your health care professional:
More common:
Constipation General feeling of discomfort or illness Lack or loss of strength Loss of appetite Muscle aches, pains, or stiffness Pain in the joints Runny nose Shivering Sneezing Trouble with sleeping
