What is Aranesp (Albumin Free): Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Aranesp (Albumin Free)

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin or through a needle placed into a vein.

• Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

• Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

• Do not shake the vial or syringe. Do not use the medicine if it is discolored or has particles in it. Use a vial only once. Throw away any unused medicine in the vial or prefilled syringe.

• Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

• Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: Injection routeCall your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

• Injection routeIf you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect the medicine from direct light. Always store the medicine in the original carton until ready to use.

• Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

• Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

• Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

• Injection routeIf you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect the medicine from direct light. Always store the medicine in the original carton until ready to use.

• Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

• Missed dose: Injection routeCall your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

• Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin or through a needle placed into a vein.

• Do not shake the vial or syringe. Do not use the medicine if it is discolored or has particles in it. Use a vial only once. Throw away any unused medicine in the vial or prefilled syringe.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

What to do if you miss a dose of Aranesp (Albumin Free)

Aranesp (Albumin Free) contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not use it if you had an allergic reaction to darbepoetin alfa, albumin, or polysorbate 80, if you had pure red cell aplasia after receiving darbepoetin alfa or similar medicines, or if you have high blood pressure that is not controlled.

Aranesp (Albumin Free) warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, heart failure, a blood disorder, cancer, any infection, bleeding, or a history of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or seizures. Also tell your doctor if you have an allergy to latex or if you are scheduled for any type of surgery.

• This medicine can cause the following problems: Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and blood clots (may be life-threatening)Increased risk of the cancer worsening or coming back for cancer patientsHigh blood pressureSeizuresSerious skin reactions

• One form of darbepoetin alfa is made from donated human blood. All donated blood is tested for certain viruses. Although your risk for getting a virus from the medicine is very low, talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Pain or swelling in your lower leg (calf)

• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

• Seizures

• Unusual tiredness, weakness, bleeding, or bruising

Aranesp (Albumin Free) interactions

• This medicine can cause the following problems: Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and blood clots (may be life-threatening)SeizuresHigh blood pressure

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• In some patients with cancer, this medicine can cause the cancer to grow faster, which can be life-threatening. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

• One form of darbepoetin alfa is made from donated human blood. There is a very small risk that it could contain a virus, although all medicines and donors are checked for viruses. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a blood disorder, a history of blood clots or stroke, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or epilepsy or a history of seizures. Tell your doctor if you had pure red cell aplasia caused by treatment with erythropoietin protein medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have an allergy to latex or if you are scheduled for any type of surgery.