DARBECON 40mcg Prefilled Syringe(Pfs) 0.4ml

Introduction About DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS)

DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) contains Darbepoetin alfa which belongs to the group of medicines called Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. It is used to manage symptomatic anemia associated with chronic renal failure (CRF) in adults and children. In kidney failure, the kidney does not produce enough erythropoietin (a natural hormone) which can often cause anemia.

Before DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) management, your doctor may want you to take blood tests to measure how your anaemia is responding and may adjust your dose to maintain long-term control of your condition. Your blood pressure will also be checked regularly, especially at the beginning of your management.

DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) is not recommended for use in patients having high blood pressure which is not being controlled. Before receiving DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS), inform your doctor if you have or ever had high blood pressure which is being controlled with medicines, sickle cell anemia, fits, liver disease, lack of response to medicines used to manage anemia, latex allergy or hepatitis C.

DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) should be used with caution in pregnant women. Patients must not breastfeed while receiving DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS). No data is available regarding DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) use in children (less than 1 month old) with CKD receiving and not receiving dialysis. The safety and efficacy of DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) in children with cancer have not been established so, consult your child’s doctor for advice.

The most common side effects of receiving DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) are high blood pressure, allergic reactions, pain around the area injected and rash or redness of the skin. Call your doctor if any of the symptoms worsen.

Uses Of DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS)

Manages symptomatic anemia

• associated with chronic renal failure (CRF) in adults and children
• with non-myeloid malignancies receiving chemotherapy in adult cancer patients

How DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) Works

DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) increases red blood cell counts by stimulating the bone marrow (soft tissue inside the bones where blood is made) to make more red blood cells.

How to use DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS)

DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) will be given to you only by a doctor or a nurse either under your skin (subcutaneous) or into a vein (intravenous). Your doctor will decide on a proper dose and duration depending on your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop receiving DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) unless your doctor advises you to stop.

Side Effects Of DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS)

How To Manage Side Effects

Skin rash:

Avoid hot showers as they can further irritate your skin. Do not scratch the affected area. Use protective clothing when going outdoors. Regularly moisturize your skin. If the symptom persists, contact your doctor.

Drowsiness:

Try a few lifestyle changes to improve your energy levels when you feel drowsy such as taking and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Exercise regularly (such as a daily walk or running) and eat a nutritious diet with plenty of whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. If the symptom persists, contact your doctor.

Headache:

Drink plenty of water and get adequate rest. Try to be relaxed and stress-free. Call your doctor before taking any medicine for headaches. If the headache persists, consult your doctor.

Nausea:

Take regular sips of a cold drink. Have ginger or peppermint tea. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy foods. If the symptom persists, contact your doctor.

Vomiting:

Get adequate rest. Drink lots of fluids, especially water. Have small sips if you feel sick. Eat when you feel like it – no need to eat or avoid any specific foods. If the symptom persists, contact your doctor.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) should be used with caution in pregnant women. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning for a baby, consult your doctor before receiving it.

Breastfeeding

DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women because it is not known if it is excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor before receiving it.

Driving and Using Machines

DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) should not affect the ability to drive or use machines.

Kidney

In patients with chronic kidney failure, your doctor will adjust the correct dose and duration of DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) management depending on your age, body weight and disease condition. Consult your doctor before receiving DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS).

Liver

DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) should be used with caution in patients with liver disease and hepatitis C. Consult your doctor before receiving DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS).

Allergy

Before receiving DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) inform your doctor if you are allergic to Darbepoetin alfa or any of the other ingredients of this medicine or latex (Ex. needle cap on the pre-filled syringe).

Heart Disease

DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) is not recommended for use in patients with high blood pressure which is not being controlled with other medicines. DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) should be used with caution in patients with high blood pressure which is being controlled. Consult your doctor before receiving DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS).

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before receiving DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS), inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• cyclosporin and tacrolimus (used to suppress the immune system)

Overdosage:

DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) will be administered to you only by a doctor or a nurse in a hospital, so it is unlikely to receive an overdose. However, consult your doctor or nurse if you experience any unusual symptoms like high blood pressure.

Synopsis

More Information

• Keep DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) out of reach from children
• Store DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) in a refrigerator (2-8°C). Do not freeze

FAQs About DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS)

Can DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) affect blood pressure?

Yes. DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) can affect blood pressure. Blood pressure should be monitored initially and those who have high blood pressure should take appropriate measures to control blood pressure. Consult your doctor for advice.

How long does it take for DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) to start working?

You will be able to notice an increase in the count of red blood cells (haemoglobin levels) within 2-6 weeks of starting DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS). If you have any other concerns, consult your doctor.

Can there be reasons for not responding to DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS)?

You may not respond to DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) if you have pure red cell aplasia, deficiencies of iron, folic acid or vitamin B12. It is important to correct these deficiencies. Consult your doctor for advice.

Can DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) be used in healthy individuals?

Misuse of DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) by healthy people can cause very serious problems with the heart or blood vessels. Consult your doctor if you or any other healthy person is about to use it.

What if I forget to receive a dose of DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS)?

Please stick to the prescribed schedule agreed upon with your doctor for optimal efficacy of DARBECON 40MCG PREFILLED SYRINGE(PFS) management. Notify your doctor whenever you miss receiving any dose. Do not take the medicine two times to make up for the missed dose.

References

1. Tilo Grosser, Emer Smyth and Garret A. FitzGerald. Hematopoietic agents. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological basics of Therapeutics. 12th Edition. New York McGraw Hill Medical 2011. Page – 1437.

2. John Powell and Cheryle Gurk-Turner. Darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp). NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. PubMed Central. July 2002. [Accessed on 4th June 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1276633/

3. Amgen. A Study of Darbepoetin Alfa for the Treatment of Anemia in Subjects With Non-Myeloid Malignancy Receiving Multicycle Chemotherapy. NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine. ClinicalTrials.gov. [Revised in May 2017] [Accessed on 4th June 2022] https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00118638

4. Amgen Technology (Ireland) Unlimited Company. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in March 2022] [Accessed on 4th June 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7993.pdf , https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7993/smpc

5. Amgen Inc. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in January 2019] [Accessed on 4th June 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/103951s5378lbl.pdf

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Author Details

Written By Dr. Dhivakaran R - BDS

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. Venkatesh Poludasu - MBBS

Last updated on 16 Nov 2022 | 01:50 PM(IST)