NESP

Anemia associated w/ chronic renal failure & myelodysplastic syndrome in adults.

IV Hemodialysis patient Initially 20 mcg single inj once wkly. When switching from erythropoietin prep: Initially 15-60 mcg single inj once wkly. Maintenance dose: 15-60 mcg single inj once wkly. If alleviation of anemia is maintained by once wkly inj, dose can be changed to 2-fold of initial dose administered once every 2 wk. Max: Not to exceed 180 mcg single inj. SC Anemia w/ myelodysplastic syndrome 240 mcg single inj once wkly. If excessive hemopoiesis occurs, reduce dose by approx 50%; if Hb conc falls, increase dose to approx 2-fold. Max: Not to exceed 240 mcg single inj. SC/IV Peritoneal dialysis patient & patient w/ CKD not on dialysis Initially 30 mcg single inj once every 2 wk. When switching from erythropoietin prep: Initially 30-120 mcg single inj once every 2 wk. Maintenance dose: 30-120 mcg single inj once every 2 wk. If alleviation of anemia is maintained by once every 2 wk inj, dose can be changed to 2-fold of initial dose administered once every 4 wk. Max: Not to exceed 180 mcg single inj.

Hypersensitivity to darbepoetin α or other erythropoietin prep.

History of hypersensitivity or w/ allergic predisposition. Not to be inj w/ other products. Discontinue use if signs & symptoms of severe cutaneous skin reactions eg, SJS or TEN occur; response of excessive hemopoiesis develops; pure red cell aplasia is diagnosed. Not to be used for other types of anemia eg, hemorrhagic anemia, pancytopenia. MI, pulmonary & cerebral infarction or w/ history of these conditions who may experience thromboembolism; HTN. Hypertensive encephalopathy; hyperkalemia. Assess risk of shock. Closely monitor Hb conc, hematocrit level, BP, serum creatinine conc & clearance at regular intervals; body fluid & electrolyte balance, renal function & BP in patients w/ CKD not on dialysis. Administer Fe in patients w/ Fe deficiency. Monitor blood flow through shunts & hemodialyzers. Not recommended during pregnancy & lactation. Low birthwt & suckling babies, neonates, infants or childn. Frequent BP, Hb conc & hematocrit level monitoring in elderly.

Headache. Renal anemia: Increased BP, shunt thrombosis/occlusion, malaise. Anemia w/ myelodysplastic syndrome: Diarrhea, increased blood alkaline phosphatase, hyperuricaemia, folate deficiency, HTN. Blistering, skin exfoliation, erythema multiforme & SJS/TEN; increased BP; abnormal hepatic function; increased LDH; arrhythmia; pruritus, rash; increased eosinophils, decreased platelets; decreased renal function.

Haematopoietic Agents

B03XA02 - darbepoetin alfa ; Belongs to the class of other antianemic preparations. Used in the treatment of anemia.

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