Darbepoetin Alfa

(dar be POE e tin AL fa)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• This drug may raise the chance of blood clots and tumor growth. Children with higher red blood cell counts have more chance of getting these problems. Your child's doctor will need to watch his/her blood cell counts and follow him/her closely to change the dose to match your child's body's needs. Talk with your child's doctor.
• This drug comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this drug is refilled.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to darbepoetin alfa or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child has very high blood pressure.
• Not if your child has a kind of anemia called Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA).
• If your child has a latex allergy, talk with the doctor.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to treat anemia.
• It is used to help avoid the need for blood transfusions.

How is this drug given?

• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
• This drug may be given as a shot into a vein.
• Your child's doctor will teach you how to give the shot.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box and take the box back to your doctor when it is full.
• Iron is often needed.

How long does this drug take to work?

• It may take 6 weeks to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Do not change the dose or stop your child's drug. Talk with your child's doctor.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• If your child has heart disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has high blood pressure, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has porphyria, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has seizures, talk with the doctor.
• Have your child's blood pressure and heart rate checked often. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Have your child's blood work checked. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Avoid giving your child other drugs and natural products that may slow your child's actions.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• High or low blood pressure.
• Swelling.
• Belly pain.
• Cough.
• Irritation where the shot is given.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If there is a change in your child's strength on 1 side that is greater than the other, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, or blurred eyesight.
• If your child has a fast heartbeat.
• If your child shows signs of very bad dizziness or passes out.
• If your child has a bad headache.
• If your child has a change in thinking clearly and with logic.
• If your child has a sudden change in eyesight.
• If your child has swelling or pain in his/her leg or arm.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Do not shake.
• Protect from light.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

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