DARBEPOETIN -- Aranesp® 2001d
Amgen, Hematology
Avail: 25, 40, 60, 100, 200 mcg/ml 1 ml vials in polysorbate 80 and in human albumin.
Refrigerate. Do not shake vial.
AWP: 25 mcg / $125 ea, 40 mcg / $200, 60 mcg / $300, 100 mcg / $500, 200 mcg / $1000
Description:
Once-a-week erythropoetin
 Chemical structure same as erythropoetin except for two oligosaccharide chains which
makes the terminal half-life 3 times longer.
Mechanism of Action:
Stimulates erythropoesis by the same mechanism as endogenous erythropoetin.
 Erythropoetin interacts with progenitor stem cells to increase RBC production.
 Onset of increased Hgb levels: 2-6 weeks.
Dose:
0.45 mcg/Kg IV or SQ once a week
 If patient has been receiving erythropoetin, use the conversion table in the pkg insert.
 Dose adjustments should NOT be made more frequently than once a month. Adjust in 25%
increments to keep the Hgb < 12 g/dL.
 Reduce dose if Hgb increase exceeds 1.0 g/dL in any 2-week period.
 Monitor Hgb, ferritin, and administer iron.
Indication:
Anemia associated with chronic renal failure, including pts on dialysis and not on dialysis.
Adverse Reactions:
Cardiovascular events: higher risk may be associated with higher Hgb levels and/or higher
rates of rise of Hgb. Includes: hypertension 23%, cardiac arrest or arrhythmias 10%, seizures
1%, stroke 1%, CHF, vascular thrombosis/ischemia.
Kinetics:
SQ absorption is slow and rate-limiting. Half-life: IV 21 hrs, SQ 49 hrs. Steady state achieved
in 4 weeks.
Contraindications:
Uncontrolled BP
© 2001 New Drug Pocket Briefs