Summer BanksDarbepoetin
November 9th 2006 13:07
Darbepoetin :
Darbepoetin is used to increase the number of red blood cells in the body in patients with anemia due to renal failure and dialysis or from chemotherapy for certain types of cancers. Darbepoetin stimulates the production of red blood cells in the body through a process called erythropoiesis. In patients with chronic renal failure or those receiving certain types of chemotherapy, this process of erythropoiesis is impaired
Treatment :
Darbepoetin should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Darbepoetin is given by injection, either directly into the vein or under the skin (subcutaneously), usually once a week. Complete instructions on using darbepoetin are included with the medication. Be sure to review those instructions before using darbepoetin. If you have any questions, be sure to contact your doctor or pharmacist. It is likely that you will be trained by a nurse or other health care specialist on how to inject this medication and how to monitor for side effects.
Since darbepoetin is given by injection, you will need a special container to dispose of used needles and syringes. Also, check the vial before using darbepoetin; the solution should be clear.
Side Effects :
Minor: Diarrhea, dizziness, headache, itching, muscle aches and pains, nausea, pain at the site of injection, tiredness, or vomiting. These side effects should diminish or disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles in your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.
Darbepoetin :
If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up from a sitting or lying position slowly; and be careful on stairs.
Major: Tell your doctor about any side effects you experience that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about chest pain; difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; feelings of warmth, pain, and swelling in the lower legs; palpitations; seizures; or swelling of the legs or hands.
Interactions :
If used properly, darbepoetin should not interact with other drugs. However, before taking darbepoetin, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are taking.
Warnings :
Darbepoetin may cause an increase in blood pressure. Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication.
To make sure darbepoetin is working properly, it is important that blood tests are done to check for anemia.
Tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you have ever had to any medications, especially to darbepoetin, to erythropoetin, or to any other injectable medication.
Darbepoetin is used to increase the number of red blood cells in the body in patients with anemia due to renal failure and dialysis or from chemotherapy for certain types of cancers. Darbepoetin stimulates the production of red blood cells in the body through a process called erythropoiesis. In patients with chronic renal failure or those receiving certain types of chemotherapy, this process of erythropoiesis is impaired
Treatment :
Darbepoetin should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Darbepoetin is given by injection, either directly into the vein or under the skin (subcutaneously), usually once a week. Complete instructions on using darbepoetin are included with the medication. Be sure to review those instructions before using darbepoetin. If you have any questions, be sure to contact your doctor or pharmacist. It is likely that you will be trained by a nurse or other health care specialist on how to inject this medication and how to monitor for side effects.
Since darbepoetin is given by injection, you will need a special container to dispose of used needles and syringes. Also, check the vial before using darbepoetin; the solution should be clear.
Side Effects :
Minor: Diarrhea, dizziness, headache, itching, muscle aches and pains, nausea, pain at the site of injection, tiredness, or vomiting. These side effects should diminish or disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles in your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.
If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up from a sitting or lying position slowly; and be careful on stairs.
Major: Tell your doctor about any side effects you experience that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about chest pain; difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; feelings of warmth, pain, and swelling in the lower legs; palpitations; seizures; or swelling of the legs or hands.
Interactions :
If used properly, darbepoetin should not interact with other drugs. However, before taking darbepoetin, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are taking.
Warnings :
Darbepoetin may cause an increase in blood pressure. Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication.
To make sure darbepoetin is working properly, it is important that blood tests are done to check for anemia.
Tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you have ever had to any medications, especially to darbepoetin, to erythropoetin, or to any other injectable medication.
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