Following blood tests, your doctor has decided you need Aranesp as your haemoglobin level is 10 g/dl or less. Your doctor will tell you how much and how often you must take Aranesp in order to maintain a haemoglobin level between 10 and 12 g/dl. This may vary depending on whether you are an adult or a child.
The injections will be given by a healthcare professional.
If you have chronic renal failure
Aranesp is given as a single injection by a healthcare professional, either once a week, once every two weeks, or once every month either under your skin (subcutaneous) or into a vein (intravenous).
In order to correct your anaemia, your initial dose of Aranesp per kilogram of your body weight will be either:
- 0.75 micrograms once every two weeks, or
- 0.45 micrograms once weekly Your doctor will take regular blood samples to measure how your anaemia is responding and may adjust your dose once every four weeks as necessary.
Once your anaemia is corrected, your doctor will continue to regularly check your blood and your dose may be adjusted further in order to maintain long-term control of your anaemia. Your doctor will inform you if your dose changes.
Your blood pressure will also be checked regularly, particularly at the beginning of your treatment.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you take iron supplements.
Your doctor may decide to change the way that your injection is given (either under the skin or into a vein). If this changes you will start on the same dose as you have been receiving and your doctor will take blood samples to make sure that your anaemia is still being managed correctly.
If your doctor has decided to change your treatment from r-HuEPO (erythropoietin produced by gene-technology) to Aranesp, they will choose whether you should receive your Aranesp injection once weekly or once every two weeks. The route of injection is the same as with r-HuEPO but your doctor will tell you how much you should take, and when, and may adjust your dose if necessary.
If you are receiving chemotherapy
Aranesp is given as a single injection, either once a week or once every three weeks, under your skin.
In order to correct your anaemia, your initial dose will be
- 500 micrograms once every three weeks (6.75 micrograms of Aranesp per kilogram of your body weight), or
- 2.25 micrograms (once weekly) of Aranesp per kilogram of your body weight. Your doctor will take regular blood samples to measure how your anaemia is responding and may adjust your dose as necessary. Your treatment will continue until approximately four weeks after the end of your chemotherapy. Your doctor will tell you exactly when to stop taking Aranesp.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you take iron supplements.
If you use more Aranesp than you should
You could have serious problems if you receive more Aranesp than you need. You should contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if this does happen. If you feel unwell in any way you should contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist immediately.
If you miss a dose of Aranesp
If you miss a dose of Aranesp, you should contact your doctor to discuss when you should receive the next dose.
