Monday, March 14, 2011

Darbepoetin

It is a Hematopoietic growth factor. Darbepoetin is a longer acting type of erythropoietin which differs from erythropoietin in respect of two additional carbohydrate chains. And because of these two additional chains, its biological activity is increased.

Pharmacokinetics:
Darbepoetin has less value of clearance and have a half life of about three times than that of erythropoietin. It has late start of action and that is why it cannot be used for acute anemia therapy.

Administration:
Sometimes iron is given along with darbepoetin for a better response. Usually subcutaneous route is superior but in the patients undergoing dialysis of kidney it is given intravenously.

Adverse effects:
It may cause hypertension and arthralgia.

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