MedicinePOM

Darbepoetin

Injection that boosts red blood cells to treat anaemia from kidney disease or chemotherapy.

Clinical information

Common uses

anaemia due to chronic kidney disease
anaemia caused by chemotherapy in cancer patients

Common side effects

high blood pressure
shortness of breath
swelling of arms or legs
cough
low blood pressure during dialysis

Cautions

raises risk of death, heart attack, stroke and blood clots
may speed tumour growth in some cancers
not for people with uncontrolled high blood pressure
increases seizure risk in kidney disease

Pregnancy: only if benefits outweigh risks — limited data

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) label, setid 0fd36cb9-c4f6-4167-93c9-8530865db3f9 (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations4

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Darbepoetin	Parenteral ( Injection )	25 mcg/ml	—	POM
Darbepoetin Alfa	Parenteral ( Injection )	60mcg	—	POM
Darbepoetin Alfa	Parenteral ( Injection )	100mcg	—	POM
Darbepoetin Alfa	Parenteral ( Injection )	40mcg	—	POM