Aranesp 40 Mcg 4 Pre-Filled Syringe (Refrigerator)

Your doctor has given you darbepoetin alfa (an anti-anemic) to treat your anemia. Anemia is when your blood does not contain enough red blood cells and the symptoms may be fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath. Darbepoetin alfa works in exactly the same way as the natural hormone erythropoietin.

Do not use darbepoetin alfa

• if you are allergic to darbepoetin alfa or any of the other ingredients of this medicine 

• if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure which is not being controlled with other medicines prescribed by your doctor

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using darbepoetin alfa. Please tell your doctor if you are suffering or have suffered from:

• high blood pressure which is being controlled with medicines prescribed by your doctor

• sickle cell anemia

• epileptic fits 

• convulsions (fits or seizures)

• liver disease

• significant lack of response to medicines used to treat anemia

• an allergy to latex 

• hepatitis C

Stop using the product and seek immediate medical attention if you develop throat tightness or swelling of the eyes, face, lips or tongue, feel faint, or have difficulty breathing. Stop using the product if you develop hives or itching of the face or body. 

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines. Cyclosporin and tacrolimus (medicines which suppress the immune system) may be affected by the number of red cells in your blood. It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking either of these medicines.

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Following blood tests, your doctor has decided you need darbepoetin alfa as your hemoglobin level is 10 g/dL or less. Your injection is to be given under the skin (subcutaneous), and so you may use the Darbepoetin alfa pre-filled pen. 

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and on the pre-filled pen label after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Store in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C). Do not freeze. Do not use darbepoetin alfa if you think it has been frozen.

Keep the pre-filled pen in the outer carton in order to protect from light. When your pen has been removed from the refrigerator and left at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before injection it must either be used within 7 days or disposed of.

Do not use this medicine if you notice the pre-filled pen contents are cloudy or there are particles in it.

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.