Brand Names

How to Use

Darbepoetin alfa is usually given by a health care professional. However, medication given by injection are sometimes using at home. If you will be using darbepoetin alfa at home, your health care professional will teach you how the injections are to be given. You will also have a risk to practice giving them Be certain that you understand exactly how the drug is to be injected. Do not reuse needles and syringes.

Put using needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant disposable container, or dispose of them as directed by your health care professional.

Dosage

• For injection dosage form
  • For anemia from chronic kidney failure:
    • Adults Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your family doctor. The usual dose is 0.45 micrograms - mcg per kilogram - kg - 0.2 mcg per pound of body weight once a week, injected into a vein or under the skin. Your family doctor may then gradually change the dose until the lowest effective dose is reached and some diseaseds may be given this medication once every 2 weeks.
    • Children Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.
  • For anemia from cancer chemotherapy:
    • Adults Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your family doctor. The usual dose is 2.25 micrograms - mcg per kilogram - kg - 0.2 mcg per pound of body weight once a week, injected under the skin. Your family doctor may then gradually change the dose until the lowest effective dose is reached.
    • Children Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.

Missed dose If you miss a dose of this drug, use it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage To store this drug:

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in the refrigerator. However, keep the drug from freezing.
• Store away from light.
• Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded drug is out of the reach of children.