Darbepoetin alfa is a lab-made form of erythropoietin. It helps your bone marrow make more red blood cells. In cancer care, it is used to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy and may lower the need for blood transfusions.
Brand Name(s)
- United States: Aranesp (Albumin Free)
- Canada: Aranesp
Warning(s)
- This medicine can raise your risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, blood clots, and death. The risk can go up if your hemoglobin gets too high or rises too fast.
- In some people with cancer, medicines like this made people die sooner and made some tumors grow faster or come back. In cancer care, it is usually used only for anemia caused by chemotherapy, and often when the goal is not to cure the cancer.
- Your care team will check your blood counts and blood pressure often and may adjust treatment. Keep all lab and clinic visits.
- Do not use if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, if you have had pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) after using an anemia medicine like this, or if you had a severe allergic reaction to darbepoetin alfa or epoetin products.
- Serious allergic reactions can happen at any time. Get help right away for rash, hives, trouble breathing, chest tightness, wheezing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Rare but severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis) can occur. Seek care now for blistering or peeling skin; painful sores on the mouth, nose, eyes, or genitals; or red, irritated eyes.
- You may be at higher risk for blood clots during and after surgery. Talk with your care team about ways to lower this risk.
- This drug can cause or worsen high blood pressure. Check your blood pressure as told by your care team and report big changes or severe headaches.
- Misuse to enhance athletic performance is dangerous and can cause stroke, heart attack, or blood clots.
- Tell your care team if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Discuss the benefits and risks to you and your baby.
- Tell your care team about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take. Some products can interact or affect blood pressure and clotting risk.
- Some prefilled syringes or needle covers may contain latex. If you have a latex allergy, tell your care team.
What Is It Used For (not a complete list)
Darbepoetin alfa is used to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy or kidney insufficiency.
Mechanism of Action
Darbepoetin alfa acts like your natural hormone erythropoietin. It attaches to receptors on cells in your bone marrow and signals them to make more red blood cells. As red blood cells increase, your hemoglobin rises, which may lessen symptoms of anemia and reduce the need for transfusions.
It does not work right away. It may take weeks to see changes in blood counts. Your care team may check your iron levels because your body needs iron to build new red blood cells.
Common Side Effects
- High blood pressure
- Headache or dizziness
- Fatigue (feeling tired) or weakness
- Body aches, joint pain, or back pain
- Stomach pain
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Cough
- Swelling in your hands, feet, or legs
- Redness or soreness where the shot is given
Serious side effects can happen. Get medical help right away for chest pain or pressure; coughing up blood; shortness of breath; sudden swelling, warmth, pain, numbness, or color change in a leg or arm; sudden severe headache; trouble speaking; weakness on one side; vision changes; fainting; seizures; or a widespread rash with blisters or peeling skin.
MedlinePlus: Darbepoetin alfa injection
Last reviewed: 2025-12-17
