This medication may rarely cause blood clots. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects:
- pain/redness/swelling/weakness of the arms or legs
- calf pain/swelling that is warm to the touch
- new/worsening shortness of breath
- coughing up blood
- sudden vision changes
- slurred speech
- weakness on one side of the body
- sudden severe headache
- chest/jaw/left arm pain
- irregular heartbeat
- fainting
- blood clots in your hemodialysis vascular access site
Rarely, this medication may suddenly stop working well after a period of time because your body may make antibodies that reduce the effectiveness of darbepoetin alfa, and a very serious anemia can result. Tell your doctor immediately if symptoms of anemia return (e.g., increased tiredness, low energy, pale skin color, shortness of breath).
Though very unlikely to occur, this product may contain substances such as viruses that could cause infections because it may contain albumin from human blood. Careful screening of blood donors, special manufacturing methods, and tests are all used to reduce this risk. Discuss the benefits and risks of treatment with your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of an infection (e.g., persistent fever/sore throat, increased tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. In the US, you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Aranesp Inj Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).


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