Darbecure 60mcg Injection Pfs 0.3ml

Darbecure Injection contains Darbepoetin alfa as it's active medicine. It is used in the treatment of anaemia (low haemoglobin level in blood) due to long term kidney disease and medication (chemotherapy) used in the treatment of certain types of cancer. Darbecure works by increasing the production of red blood cells in bone marrow (soft and spongy tissue inside of bones, where blood is formed).

This Injection will be administered to you by a healthcare professional such as doctor or nurse ay hospital or clinc.

Dosage

Overdose

• Darbecure Injection will be given by a doctor or nurse thus chances of overdose are unlikely. However, if you experience any discomfort or specific symptoms inform your doctor or reach out to the nearest hospital. Symptoms of overdose include high blood pressure. overdose can cause increased haemoglobin in blood above the desired level.

Missed a Dose

It is unlikely that the dose of this injection will be missed if you are monitored in a healthcare set up. However, if you have missed taking any dose of this injection inform your doctor or nurse immediately.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

It works by increasing the production of red blood cells in bone marrow (soft and spongy tissue inside of bones, where blood is formed).

Directions for Use

• Darbecure Injection will be given by a doctor or nurse in a hospital/clinic.
• Do not self inject, follow any aftercare instructions given by the doctor/nurse.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Darbecure Injection during pregnancy?

There is no adequate data for the effects of Darbecure Injection on unborn babies, thus it should be avoided in pregnant women. If you become pregnant while on the treatment with this medicine immediately inform your doctor.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Darbecure Injection while breastfeeding?

It is not known if components of Darbecure Injection pass in breastmilk or not. This medicine should be taken by lactating mother only if prescribed by a doctor.

Driving

Can I drive if I have taken Darbecure Injection?

Darbecure Injection can cause fits, especially during the first few months of treatment. Avoid driving while on this medicine.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Darbecure Injection?

Consuming alcohol while taking Darbecure Injection can increase risk of seizure. Avoid alcohol if you are taking this medicine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have heart disease.
• Your blood pressure is high.
• You have a seizure disorder.
• You have cancer.
• You have scheduled surgery relating to heart (CABG surgery) and bone (orthopaedic surgery).
• You have breathing difficulty, chest pain, increase sweating, confusion, dizziness, severe headache, weakness, vision problem after taking Darbecure Injection.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to Darbepoetin alfa or any other ingredients of Darbecure Injection.
• If you have high blood pressure which is not under control.
• If you have a medical condition called pure red cell aplasia where there is a problem in the formation of mature red blood cells due to this medicine or other medicines use to increase the production of red blood cells.

Side effects

• Headache
• Increased blood pressure
• Thromboembolism (blood clot formation in the blood vessel)
• Rash
• Loose motion
• Pain in stomach
• Body pain
• Pain, redness, swelling, itching at the injection site

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Discuss with your doctor about any other medicine, herbal preparation, and supplements you are taking currently to avoid any possible drug interactions.

Storage and disposal

• Store Darbecure Injection at a temperature of 2°C to 8°C. Keep this medicine away from light.
• Keep it out of the reach of children and pets. Do not freeze. Do not shake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much time does it take to increase haemoglobin level after starting treatment with Darbecure Injection?

It takes around 2 to 6 weeks for rise in haemoglobin level in blood after starting treatment with Darbecure Injection.

Is Darbecure Injection used always for treatment of anemia?

Darbecure Injection is used only if anaemia is due to long term kidney disease (chronic kidney disease) and medication (chemotherapy) use for treatment of cancer (excluding cancer of bone marrow and blood cells).

Does Darbecure Injection cause high blood pressure?

Darbecure Injection can cause high blood pressure especially in patients having long term kidney disease. This is due to the quick increase of red blood cells in the first 3 months after starting treatment with this medicine.

Is Darbecure Injection use in treatment of cancer?

Darbecure Injection is not used for the treatment of cancer. It is used in treatment of anemia (low haemoglobin count) due to medication use in treatment of cancer excluding cancer of bone marrow and red blood cells.