Can Aranesp be self administered?

Can Aranesp be self administered?

Use these instructions if you or your caregiver has been trained to give Aranesp injections at home. Do not give yourself the injection unless you have received training from your healthcare provider. If you are not sure about giving the injection or if you have questions, ask your healthcare provider for help.

How do I give myself Aranesp injection?

Aranesp can be injected either:

1. Under the skin (subcutaneous injection) using either the prefilled pen, the pre-filled syringe or the pre-filled syringe with automatic needle guard; or;
2. Into a vein (intravenous injection) using the pre-filled syringe or pre-filled syringe with automatic needle guard.

How do you administer darbepoetin?

Darbepoetin alfa injection comes as a solution (liquid) to inject subcutaneously (just under the skin) or intravenously (into a vein). It is usually injected once every 1 to 4 weeks. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

When should you not give Aranesp?

Do not take Aranesp ® if you: Have high blood pressure that is not controlled (uncontrolled hypertension). Have been told by your healthcare provider that you have, or have ever had a type of anemia called Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA) that starts after treatment with Aranesp ® or other erythropoietin medicines.

When do you administer Aranesp?

Initiate Aranesp treatment when the hemoglobin level is less than 10 g/dL. If the hemoglobin level approaches or exceeds 11 g/dL, reduce or interrupt the dose of Aranesp. The recommended starting dose is 0.45 mcg/kg intravenously or subcutaneously as a weekly injection or 0.75 mcg/kg once every 2 weeks as appropriate.

How often should Aranesp be given?

Aranesp is given every 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the condition you are treating. You may also need to take blood pressure medication. Follow your doctor’s instructions very carefully. Aranesp is injected under the skin, or given as an infusion into a vein.

Where do you administer Aranesp?

Aranesp can be injected directly into a layer of fat under your skin. This is called a subcutaneous injection. When giving subcutaneous injections, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about changing the site for each injection.

How is Aranesp supplied?

Aranesp® is available in single-dose vials and prefilled syringes, except the 10, 150, and 500 mcg dose strengths, which are available only as prefilled syringes. The IV route of administration is recommended for adult patients on hemodialysis.

What should blood pressure be before giving Aranesp?

Urgent attention should be given to BP if SBP>190 or DBP>100, (discuss with the renal consultant if necessary). Darbepoetin is contraindicated in uncontrolled hypertension (SBP>190 DBP>100).

How safe is Aranesp?

Aranesp increases the risk of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, venous thromboembolism, and thrombosis of vascular access and tumor progression or recurrence. Aranesp can also lead to an increase in adverse cardiovascular events, hypertension, seizures, and severe anemia.

What is the J code for Aranesp?

Aranesp is reported with HCPCS code J0881 effective January 1, 2006.

How do you administer Aranesp?

Intravenous Route: Aranesp can be injected in your vein through a special access port put in by your healthcare provider. This type of Aranesp injection is called an intravenous (IV) injection. This route is usually for hemodialysis patients.

Can you give Aranesp after the expiration date?

 It is important that you do not try to give the injection unless you or your caregiver has received training from your healthcare provider.  Make sure the name Aranesp appears on the carton and prefilled syringe label.  Do not use a prefilled syringe after the expiration date on the label.

What do you do with unused Aranesp syringe?

 After you inject your dose, throw away (dispose of) any unused Aranesp left in the prefilled syringe. Do not save unused Aranesp in the prefilled syringe for later use.  Keep the Aranesp prefilled syringe out of the reach of children.

What are the contraindications for the use of Aranesp?

Aranesp is contraindicated in patients with: 1 Uncontrolled hypertension [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ]. 2 Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) that begins after treatment with Aranesp or other erythropoietin protein drugs [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ]. 3 Serious allergic reactions to Aranesp [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ].