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Aranesp

Aranesp (generic name: darbepoetin alfa) is manufactured by Amgen Inc.Aranesp In September 2001, the FDA approved Aranesp to treat anemia in kidney failure patients on dialysis and cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Aranesp is extremely profitable for Amgen. In 2006, Aranesp sales totaled $2.1 billion, representing 40% of Amgen’s total sales. Aranesp belongs to the drug class erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs), which also includes Procrit and Epogen (both drugs are manufactured by Amgen).

What is Anemia?

Anemia occurs when a person’s hemoglobin level is too low. Hemoglobin is an iron rich protein that circulates oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Hemoglobin is stored in red blood cells. When patients have too few red blood cells or the red blood cells do not contain enough hemoglobin, the reduced Hemoglobin level may become dangerous. Anemic patients’ blood cannot circulate enough oxygen, depriving various body parts from necessary oxygen. Anemia can cause serious and even fatal damage to the heart and other organs.

Related Topics:

Anemia can be caused by:

  • Blood loss
  • Low red blood cell levels
  • High rates of red blood cell destruction

Anemia is most common in patients with kidney failure or cancer. The disease reduces the body’s ability to produce red blood cells and, therefore, hemoglobin levels drop to dangerous levels.

Anemia’s most common symptom is fatigue. Anemia symptoms may also include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Pale skin
  • Coldness in hands and feet
  • Chest pain

How Does Aranesp treat Anemia?

Aranesp belongs to the drug class of erythropoiesis stimulating agents, which produces a manufactured version of erythropoietin. Erythropoietin, a human protein, is produced in the kidneys. Erythropoietin regulates and increases red blood cell production. When Aranesp is injected, the drug stimulates the erythropoietin, which increases red blood cell production. Aranesp reduces and controls anemia symptoms, however, Aranesp does not cure anemia.

Aranesp Side Effects

Aranesp has been linked to several rare but severe side effects including:

Information about Aranesp

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Aranesp Quick Facts

Aranesp Quick Reference Guide
Other Names:

Darbepoetin alfa

Date Approved:
September 2001

Manufacturer:
Amgen

Status:
Black box warning

Approved Uses:
Anemia

Serious Side Effects:
Blood Clots
Heart Attacks
Vascular thrombosis
Convulsions

Common Misspellings:
Arenesp
Aransep
Aranasp