Definition:
Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) is a drug given to patients who have chemotherapy-induced anemia (low red blood cell count). An injection of Aranesp stimulates red blood cell production, with a synthetic version of erythropoietin, a protein made in your kidneys. It is a clear liquid that can be given through an intravenous infusion (IV), or as a shot.
Use for Breast Cancer:
Chemotherapy for breast cancer affects all the rapidly dividing cells in your body, including bone marrow cells -- which produce white and red blood cells -- and platelets. If your CBC shows that your red blood cell count is low, you may be anemic. An injection of Aranesp can boost your red blood cell production, and help you avoid the possible need for a blood transfusion.
How Aranesp Works:
Blood is made in your bone marrow, the soft, spongy tissue in the core of your bones. Chemotherapy for breast cancer will kill some of your fast-dividing cells, including bone marrow cells. Fewer bone marrow cells means less blood cells. Usually, your kidneys produce erythropoietin, a protein that stimulates the production of red blood cells. But during chemo for breast cancer, your kidneys may not make enough erythropoietin. Your CBC may reveal low red blood cell counts, and that you are anemic. Aranesp is a synthetic version of erythropoietin, and the proper dose of this drug will boost red blood cell production.
How Aranesp is Given:
You may be given shots of Aranesp once a week, or once every three weeks in your upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. If given every three weeks, the dose can be synchronized with your chemo treatments. That saves you extra trips to the clinic for booster shots, as well as copayments.
Some Common Side Effects:
- increased blood pressure
- decreased blood pressure
- body or muscle aches, headache
- fever
- chest pain
- cough
- swelling, itching, redness, or pain at the injection site
Call Your Doctor if You Have These Symptoms:
- allergic reaction (hives, problems breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat, rash spreading over your body)
- unusual fatigue and lethargy
- chest pain
- leg pain (with or without swelling)
- shortness of breath
- confusion, dizziness, loss of consciousness
- seizures
Possible Risks of Using Aranesp:
- increased chance of blood clots
- increased chance of heart or circulatory problems (heart attack or stroke)
- may shorten survival time in metastatic breast cancer patients
Do Not Take If:
- you have high blood pressure (hypertension) that is not controlled by medication
- you are allergic to darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp), or epoetin alfa (Procrit)
Recommendations During Treatment:
Before your first injection of Aranesp, your doctor will order a CBC to get the levels of your red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and iron. As treatment progresses, you will have more blood tests to check the effectiveness of Aranesp, and to be sure you are getting the right dose.
If you are breastfeeding or pregnant, discuss this with your doctor before taking Aranesp. Not enough studies have been done to determine the effect of this drug on breast milk or the human fetus.
Sources:
FDA. Drugs@FDA. Darbepoetin Alfa Drug Details.
American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. Extended-dosage-interval regimens of erythropoietic agents in chemotherapy-induced anemia. Raymond J. Muller and David Baribeault. Published Vol. 64, Issue 24, 2547-2556.
