Neph-Darb 40 Injection
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Evervital Lifesciences |
| Active Ingredient | Darbepoetin alfa (40mcg) |
| Storage | Store in a refrigerator (2 - 8°C). Do not freeze. |
| Chemical Class | Amino Acids, Peptides Analogues |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | BLOOD RELATED |
| Action Class | Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) |
| User Rating | 4.9 |
| User Reviews | 414 |
FAQ
Who should not take Neph-Darb 40?
Individuals who have cancer but have not been prescribed Neph-Darb 40 by the doctor should not take it. Additionally, patients with uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure), patients with a history of anemia called pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that starts after treatment with Neph-Darb 40 or other erythropoietin medicines, and patients with a history of serious allergic reaction to this medicine should not take this medicine.
How long does it take for Neph-Darb 40 to start working?
You will be able to notice an increase in the count of red blood cells (hemoglobin levels) in 2-6 weeks of starting Neph-Darb 40. If you have any other concerns, consult your doctor.
Can Neph-Darb 40 be used in children?
Yes, Neph-Darb 40 is used to treat anemia due to chronic kidney disease in children who are above 1 year of age. The effectiveness of Neph-Darb 40 and side effects seen in children are similar to adults. However, consult your doctor if you are not sure.
Can Neph-Darb 40 affect blood pressure?
Yes, Neph-Darb 40 can affect blood pressure. During initial therapy with Neph-Darb 40, blood pressure should be monitored and those who have high blood pressure should take appropriate measures to control blood pressure. Your doctor may stop Neph-Darb 40 if the blood pressure remains uncontrolled.
Other than PRCA, can there be other reasons for not responding to Neph-Darb 40?
You may not respond to Neph-Darb 40 if you have deficiencies of iron, folic acid or vitamin B12. It is important that you take measures to correct these deficiencies. Other reasons behind not responding to the treatment could be bleeding, infections, inflammation and bone marrow fibrosis. Therefore, consult our doctor regarding the same.
Is Neph-Darb 40 safe to use?
Neph-Darb 40 is a medicine that needs to be used with utmost care because it can lead to serious side effects and even death of the patient. It is important that you seek treatment from a doctor who is experienced in providing Neph-Darb 40 therapy. Follow all the directions strictly.
What if you forget to take Neph-Darb Injection?
If you miss a dose of Neph-Darb 40, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Neph-Darb 40 Injection Reviews
Neph-Darb 40 is used in the treatment of anemia that may have occurred due to chronic kidney disease or chemotherapy. It works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells.
Neph-Darb 40 is a medicine that needs to be used with utmost care because it can lead to serious side effects. It is important that you seek treatment from a doctor who is experienced in providing this medical therapy. You should follow all the directions of the doctor strictly. It is given under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Common side effects include abdominal pain, high blood pressure, rash, injection site pain, breathlessness, cough, and peripheral edema. Inform your doctor if there are symptoms of very high blood pressure such as severe headache, problems with your eyesight, nausea, vomiting, or fits (seizures).
Your doctor may get your blood tests done regularly to monitor the levels of salts (electrolytes such as potassium), hemoglobin, and blood cells in your blood. You should stop taking it and consult with a doctor if you develop shortness of breath or skin rash.
Before taking Neph-Darb 40, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or have had a seizure or stroke. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed, consult your doctor to make sure it is safe for you.
Neph-Darb 40 is a medicine that needs to be used with utmost care because it can lead to serious side effects. It is important that you seek treatment from a doctor who is experienced in providing this medical therapy. You should follow all the directions of the doctor strictly. It is given under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Common side effects include abdominal pain, high blood pressure, rash, injection site pain, breathlessness, cough, and peripheral edema. Inform your doctor if there are symptoms of very high blood pressure such as severe headache, problems with your eyesight, nausea, vomiting, or fits (seizures).
Your doctor may get your blood tests done regularly to monitor the levels of salts (electrolytes such as potassium), hemoglobin, and blood cells in your blood. You should stop taking it and consult with a doctor if you develop shortness of breath or skin rash.
Before taking Neph-Darb 40, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or have had a seizure or stroke. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed, consult your doctor to make sure it is safe for you.
How Neph-Darb 40 Injection Works
Neph-Darb 40 is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA). It works by stimulating the bone marrow (soft tissue inside the bones which produces red blood cells) to produce more red blood cells.
How to Use Neph-Darb 40 Injection
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
Benefits of Neph-Darb 40 Injection
- In Treatment of Anemia due to chronic kidney disease: Anemia is a condition where your body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around your body. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to the loss of normal kidney function over a long span of time. CKD progresses gradually over a few years but may become permanent if left untreated. CKD can lead to anemia. Neph-Darb 40 can boost your levels of red blood cells and reduce the symptoms of anemia such as tiredness and weakness. Taking this injection improves the quality of life.
- In Treatment of Anemia due to cancer chemotherapy: Low red blood cell count is termed as anemia. Cancer treatment with chemotherapy often causes many side effects, one of the major ones being anemia. Neph-Darb 40 stimulates the production of red blood cells in bone marrow and regulates the haemoglobin in the blood. This treats anemia in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
Uses of Neph-Darb 40 Injection
- Treatment of Anemia due to chronic kidney disease
- Treatment of Anemia due to cancer chemotherapy
Neph-Darb 40 Injection Side Effects
Safety Tips
Liver
CAUTION
Neph-Darb 40 should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Neph-Darb 40 may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Neph-Darb 40 may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Neph-Darb 40 is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Neph-Darb 40 is recommended.
Driving
SAFE
Neph-Darb 40 does not usually affect your ability to drive.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Neph-Darb 40 is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Neph-Darb 40. Please consult your doctor.
Quick Tips
- Your doctor may get your blood tests done regularly to monitor the levels of hemoglobin, blood cells, in your blood.
- It is given as a single injection under your skin, additionally, it can be given intravenously.
- Neph-Darb 40 helps in the treatment of anemia that may have occurred due to chronic kidney disease or cancer chemotherapy.
- Stop taking Neph-Darb 40 and inform your doctor if you develop shortness of breath or skin rash.
References
- Kaushansky K, Kipps TJ. Hematopoietic Agents: Growth Factors, Minerals, and Vitamins. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 1071-72.
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006. Darbepoetin.
- Darbepoetin alfa [Prescribing Information]. Thousand Oaks, California: Amgen Inc.; 2019.
- Darbepoetin alfa. Thousand Oaks, CA: Amgen Inc.; 2001.
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 358-59.
- Darbepoetin alfa. Milton Road, Cambridge: Amgen Ltd.; 2001 [revised Sep. 2017].
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- CiplaMed. Darbepoetin Alfa [Product Information]. [Last Reviewed: June 2019].