Aranesp – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Aranesp is a man-made form of a protein that helps the body produce red blood cells. Patients with kidney failure or those who take certain medications can have lower levels of this protein. If the body produces fewer red blood cells, individuals will develop a condition called anemia.

The drug is used to treat anemia that occurs due to chemotherapy or chronic kidney disease.

Aranesp’s generic name is darbepoetin alfa, and its other brand names include Aranesp Albumin Free and Aranesp SureClick.

Known health risks or side effects of Aranesp

Aranesp may cause common side effects such as:

• Bleeding, bruising, oozing, pain, redness, swelling, or warmth where the IV needle is placed
• A mild cough
• A mild skin rash or redness
• Stomach pain

You may require immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as:

• Body aches, chills, fever, or flu-like symptoms
• Dangerously high blood pressure, accompanied with symptoms like anxiety, blurred vision, buzzing in the ears, chest pain, confusion, a seizure, a severe headache, shortness of breath, or uneven heartbeats
• Easy bruising; unusual bleeding in the mouth, nose, rectum, or vagina; or purple or red pinpoint spots under the skin
• Feeling like you might pass out
• Seizure/black-out or convulsions

List of organs that might be affected by Aranesp

An overdose of Aranesp may cause complications like severe heart or circulation problems such as a heart attack or stroke.

Seek medical assistance immediately if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems like:

• Chest pain or a heavy feeling, nausea, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, sweating, or a general ill feeling
• Confusion; problems with balance, speech, or vision; or a sudden severe headache
• Feeling short of breath (even with mild exertion)
• Pain, redness, swelling, or warmth in one or both legs
• Sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body)
• Swelling or rapid weight gain

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to Aranesp

If you have anemia, consider following a diet plan that includes a lot of foods rich in iron and other nutrients that are crucial to hemoglobin and red blood cell production. These foods can help the body absorb iron better.

Foods have two types of iron: heme iron and non-heme iron. Meat, poultry, and seafood contain heme iron while plant foods and foods fortified with iron have non-heme iron. The human body can absorb both types, but it’s easier to absorb heme iron.

These foods can help fight iron-deficiency anemia:

• Dark, leafy greens – Dark leafy greens are rich in nonheme iron. Sources include collard greens, dandelion greens, kale, spinach, and Swiss chard.
• Meat and poultry – Sources include lamb, poultry, red meat, and venison. Consider eating meat or poultry with non-heme iron foods, like leafy greens, to boost iron absorption.
• Nuts and seeds – Raw nuts and seeds that contain iron include cashews, hemp seeds, pine nuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.
• Seafood – Shellfish like clams, oysters, and shrimp contains heme iron. Fish rich in iron includes haddock, halibut, perch, salmon, sardines, and tuna.

Treatment and management options for the side effects of Aranesp

The following treatments and management options can help prevent the side effects associated with Aranesp:

• Ginger – Ginger tea can help soothe migraines since it can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. It can also help prevent nausea, which usually accompanies migraines. Make ginger tea by gently simmering three quarter-sized slices of ginger in two cups of water. Cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Orange peel – Orange peel tea can help treat diarrhea and stimulate digestion. You need organic orange peels, which must be chopped finely. Add the peel to a pot with a pint of boiling water. Cover the pot tightly, then steep until cool. Strain the mixture, sweeten with some honey, and drink.

Where to learn more

• Amgen admits to criminal behavior in off-label drug marketing scheme, receives minimal slap on wrist
• Anemia drug found to cause fatal heart attacks and strokes
• Deadly anemia drugs like Procrit made billions – FDA kept their dangers a secret to protect pharma profits
• How the FDA Became a Drug Company
• Huge fines, settlements and lawsuits are all routine business for Big Pharma

Summary

Aranesp is a man-made form of a protein that helps the body produce red blood cells and it is used to treat anemia that occurs due to chemotherapy or chronic kidney disease.

Aranesp may cause common side effects such as a mild cough or stomach pain.

An overdose of Aranesp may cause complications like severe heart or circulation problems such as a heart attack or stroke.

If you have anemia, consider following a diet plan that includes a lot of foods rich in iron and other nutrients that are crucial to hemoglobin and red blood cell production.

Ginger or orange peel tea can help prevent the side effects associated with Aranesp.

Sources include:

Drugs.com

eMedicineHealth.com

Healthline.com

RD.com 1

RD.com 2