The generically named medication darbepoetin alfa is marketed in the United States with the brand name Aranesp. Physicians may prescribe the drug to help increase the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. The Mayo Clinic reports darbepoetin alfa may be used in the treatment of people with kidney failure, whether on dialysis or not, to help prevent anemia caused by the disease. The medicine also may be used for people who suffer anemia that is severe as a result of cancer chemotherapy. Darbepoetin Alfa is administered via injection.
Arrhythmia
Taking injections of darbepoetin alfa may induce problems of the heart in the person receiving it. He may, for example, experience an acceleration of his heartbeat called tachycardia. The drug also may induce bradycardia, a deceleration of his heart rate. His heart also may beat irregularly, the Mayo Clinic states. All of these conditions---known as arrhythmias---are serious common side effects of darbepoetin alfa. These types of side effects may cause others, such as pain in the chest or heaviness or tightness in the chest. The Mayo Clinic recommends consulting a physician immediately for any problems with heartbeats.
Dizziness and Confusion
Darbepoetin Alfa injections also may cause the person receiving it to become dizzy. She may feel a sensation of continual motion or of whirling. This may be accompanied by lightheadedness and it may lead to fainting. She also may be confused mentally. She may find it difficult to follow conversations or to know exactly what she is doing. These problems also are serious side effects that are common. She should report them to her doctor immediately.
Breathing Difficulties
Using darbepoetin alfa also may induce respiratory problems. The person being injected may find he breathes noisily or irregularly, for example. He also may be short of breath or breathe rapidly. Breathing difficulties also may affect him at rest. He also may wheeze, which is making a noise upon exhalation. He should contact his doctor immediately for any of these difficulties.
Pain and Swelling
Pain is another common serious side effect of darbepoetin alfa injections. The person getting the drug may feel pain in her abdomen or her stomach, for example. She also may experience it in her jaw, back or arms. She also may have headaches from darbepoetin alfa. The injection site itself also may be painful and tender. She also may experience swelling at the site of injection as well as in her extremities such as her feet, legs, hands and fingers, as well as in her face. She should tell her doctor about any of these problems immediately.
Unconsciousness
Darbepoetin Alfa may cause---as a serious common side effect---sudden unconsciousness. This may occur as fainting, as mentioned above, or it may occur while at rest or asleep as well. This, too, should be explained to a doctor immediately.
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