Darbepoetin Alfa
Brand Names
Aranesp (There may be other brand names for this medication.)
How is Darbepoetin Administered?
Your medicine may be injected into a vein (intravenous) or into the tissue between the skin and muscle (subcutaneous).
What is it Used For?
This drug is used to treat anemia that may result from chemotherapy.
How Does it Work?
Darbepoetin alfa belongs to a class of drugs known as colony stimulating factors (CSF). Darbepoetin stimulates the cells in your bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. It is a synthetic version of erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone normally produced by the kidneys.
Darbepoetin is not an anticancer drug; its purpose is to provide general support and improve health by increasing your red blood cell count. (Red blood cells carry oxygen to the cells throughout your body.)
