Aranesp Side Effects
Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) has been used in the treatment of patients with chronic kidney failure and other types of cancer since its approval by the FDA in 2001. The drug is supposed to assist your body with the production of red blood cells, however results from a recent study show that Aranesp has been linked to various serious side effects such as blood clots, edema and seizures.
There are three major types of blood cells produced by the body’s bone marrow; white blood cells (which fight infection), red blood cells (which carry oxygen to and remove waste products from organs and tissues) and platelets (which enable blood clotting). Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy have an effect on these types of red blood cells, putting a person at risk for developing infections, anemia and blood disorders.
Aranesp is a man-made erythropoiesis protein, similar to a natural substance in your body called erythropoietin, which is produced by the kidneys. Normally, Erythropoietin carries through the bloodstream to the bone marrow so that more red blood cells can be made. Aranesp works by assisting with this process, enabling red blood cell production to remain at a healthy level. Aranesp is is given via an injection in the arm, abdomen or thigh, or by infusion into a vein.
Additional Aranesp Side Effects:
- feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
- fatigue
- swelling of your ankles or feet;
- chest pain, uneven heartbeats;
- increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure);
- edema (swelling of the feet or hands);
- feeling light-headed, fainting; or
- seizure (black-out or convulsions).
If you or a loved one have experienced any side effects from the drug Aranesp, please call us at 1.800.966.4999 or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation.
