Darbex 25Mcg Injection 1's

Introduction About DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION

DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION contains Darbepoetin alfa which belongs to the group of
medicines called Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. It is used to manage
symptomatic anemia associated with chronic renal failure (CRF) in adults and
children. In kidney failure, the kidney does not produce enough erythropoietin
(a natural hormone) which can often cause anemia.

Before DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION management, your doctor may want you to take blood
tests to measure how your anaemia is responding and may adjust your dose to
maintain long-term control of your condition. Your blood pressure will also be
checked regularly, especially at the beginning of your management.

DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION is not recommended for use in patients having high blood
pressure which is not being controlled. Before receiving DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION,
inform your doctor if you have or ever had high blood pressure which is being
controlled with medicines, sickle cell anemia, fits, liver disease, lack of
response to medicines used to manage anemia, latex allergy or hepatitis C.

DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION should be used with caution in pregnant women. Patients
must not breastfeed while receiving DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION. No data is available
regarding DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION use in children (less than 1 month old) with
CKD receiving and not receiving dialysis. The safety and efficacy of DARBEX
25MCG INJECTION in children with cancer have not been established so, consult
your child’s doctor for advice.

The most common side effects of receiving DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION are high blood
pressure, allergic reactions, pain around the area injected and rash or redness
of the skin. Call your doctor if any of the symptoms worsen.

Uses Of DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION

Manages symptomatic anemia

• associated with chronic renal failure (CRF) in adults and children
• with non-myeloid malignancies receiving chemotherapy in adult cancer patients

How DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION Works

DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION increases red blood cell counts by stimulating the bone
marrow (soft tissue inside the bones where blood is made) to make more red blood
cells.

How to use DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION

DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION will be given to you only by a doctor or a nurse either
under your skin (subcutaneous) or into a vein (intravenous). Your doctor will
decide on a proper dose and duration depending on your age, body weight and
disease condition. Do not stop receiving DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION unless your
doctor advises you to stop.

Side Effects Of DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION

Common

• high blood pressure
• allergic reactions
• stroke
• pain around the area of injection
• rash or redness of the skin
• blood clots
• fluid retention (swelling)

Uncommon

• convulsions (fits and seizures)
• bruising and bleeding at the site of injection
• blood clots in a dialysis access

Rare

Stop receiving DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION and contact your doctor immediately if you
experience any of the following side effects:

• serious skin rashes like Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (reddish macules or circular patches often with central blisters on the trunk, skin peeling, ulcers of mouth, throat, nose, genitals and eyes and fever or flu-like symptoms)
• severe headache, drowsiness, confusion, eyesight problem, nausea, vomiting or fits (could imply very high blood pressure)
• lack of energy and tiredness (pure red cell aplasia (PRCA)), which means that the body has stopped or reduced the production of red blood cells which causes severe anemia

How To Manage Side Effects

Skin rash:

Avoid hot showers as they can further irritate your skin. Do not scratch the
affected area. Use protective clothing when going outdoors. Regularly moisturize
your skin. If the symptom persists, contact your doctor.

Drowsiness:

Try a few lifestyle changes to improve your energy levels when you feel drowsy
such as taking and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Exercise regularly
(such as a daily walk or running) and eat a nutritious diet with plenty of whole
grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. If the symptom persists, contact your
doctor.

Headache:

Drink plenty of water and get adequate rest. Try to be relaxed and stress-free.
Call your doctor before taking any medicine for headaches. If the headache
persists, consult your doctor.

Nausea:

Take regular sips of a cold drink. Have ginger or peppermint tea. Stick to
simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy foods. If the symptom persists, contact
your doctor.

Vomiting:

Get adequate rest. Drink lots of fluids, especially water. Have small sips if
you feel sick. Eat when you feel like it – no need to eat or avoid any specific
foods. If the symptom persists, contact your doctor.

Warning & Precautions

!### Pregnancy

DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION should be used with caution in pregnant women. If you are
pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning for a baby, consult your
doctor before receiving it.

!### Breastfeeding

DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women because
it is not known if it is excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor before
receiving it.

!### Driving and Using Machines

DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION should not affect the ability to drive or use machines.

!### Kidney

In patients with chronic kidney failure, your doctor will adjust the correct
dose and duration of DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION management depending on your age,
body weight and disease condition. Consult your doctor before receiving DARBEX
25MCG INJECTION.

!### Liver

DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION should be used with caution in patients with liver
disease and hepatitis C. Consult your doctor before receiving DARBEX 25MCG
INJECTION.

!### Allergy

Before receiving DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION inform your doctor if you are allergic
to Darbepoetin alfa or any of the other ingredients of this medicine or latex
(Ex. needle cap on the pre-filled syringe).

!### Heart Disease

DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION is not recommended for use in patients with high blood
pressure which is not being controlled with other medicines. DARBEX 25MCG
INJECTION should be used with caution in patients with high blood pressure which
is being controlled. Consult your doctor before receiving DARBEX 25MCG
INJECTION.

Others

Before receiving DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION, inform your doctor if you have:

• sickle cell anemia
• epile
• convulsions
• lack of response to certain medicines used to manage anemia

Use in pediatrics:

No data is available regarding DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION use in children (less than
1-month-old) with CKD receiving and not receiving dialysis. The safety and
efficacy of DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION in children with cancer have not been
established so, consult your child’s doctor for advice.

Use in geriatrics:

No differences in safety or efficacy have been observed between older and
younger patients. Consult your doctor before receiving DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before receiving DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION, inform your doctor if you are taking
any of the following medicines:

• cyclosporin and tacrolimus (used to suppress the immune system)

Overdosage:

DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION will be administered to you only by a doctor or a nurse
in a hospital, so it is unlikely to receive an overdose. However, consult your
doctor or nurse if you experience any unusual symptoms like high blood pressure.

Synopsis

Drug	:	Darbepoetin alfa
Pharmacological Category	:	Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent
Therapeutic Indication	:	Symptomatic anemia associated with chronic renal failure (CRF) and chemotherapy
Dosage Forms	:	Injection, Prefilled syringe

More Information

• Keep DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION out of reach from children
• Store DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION in a refrigerator (2-8°C). Do not freeze

FAQs About DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION

Can DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION affect blood pressure?

Yes. DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION can affect blood pressure. Blood pressure should be
monitored initially and those who have high blood pressure should take
appropriate measures to control blood pressure. Consult your doctor for advice.

How long does it take for DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION to start working?

You will be able to notice an increase in the count of red blood cells
(haemoglobin levels) within 2-6 weeks of starting DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION. If you
have any other concerns, consult your doctor.

Can there be reasons for not responding to DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION?

You may not respond to DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION if you have pure red cell aplasia,
deficiencies of iron, folic acid or vitamin B12. It is important to correct
these deficiencies. Consult your doctor for advice.

Can DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION be used in healthy individuals?

Misuse of DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION by healthy people can cause very serious
problems with the heart or blood vessels. Consult your doctor if you or any
other healthy person is about to use it.

What if I forget to receive a dose of DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION?

Please stick to the prescribed schedule agreed upon with your doctor for o
efficacy of DARBEX 25MCG INJECTION management. Notify your doctor whenever you
miss receiving any dose. Do not take the medicine two times to make up for the
missed dose.

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)