Aranesp is a man-made form of a protein that helps your body produce red blood
cells. This protein may be reduced when you have kidney failure or use certain
medications. When fewer red blood cells are produced, you can develop a
condition called anemia.

Aranesp is used to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy or chronic kidney
disease.





Get emergency medical help if you have **signs of an allergic reaction to
Aranesp** (hives, wheezing, difficult breathing, severe dizziness or fainting,
swelling in your face or throat) **or a severe skin reaction** (fever, sore
throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads
and causes blistering and peeling).

Darbepoetin alfa can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or
circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will
increase the longer you use Aranesp. **Seek emergency medical help if you
have** :

  * **heart attack symptoms** \- chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;

  * **signs of a stroke** \- sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), confusion, sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;

  * **signs of a blood clot** \- pain, swelling, warmth, redness, cold feeling, or pale appearance of an arm or leg; or

  * **increased blood pressure** \- severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, nosebleed.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

  * unusual weakness or tiredness;

  * a seizure (convulsions); or

  * shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain.

Common Aranesp side effects may include:

  * low blood pressure during dialysis;

  * cough, trouble breathing;

  * stomach pain; or

  * swelling in your arms or legs.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to
FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Aranesp side effects (more detail)