Medication: Darbepoetin

Your cat has been prescribed darbepoetin for the treatment of anemia.

Key Points:
• A synthetic form of human erythropoietin (a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production).
• Given by injection.
• Must be stored in a refrigerator and not allowed to freeze.

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.

Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.

Name

• Darbepoetin (dar-bee-poy-ee-tin).

Class of medication

• Synthetic human erythropoietin.

Storage

• Store in a refrigerator between 2-8°C (35.6-46.4°F). Do not freeze.
• Protect from light.

Your veterinarian has prescribed darbepoietin to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney disease or Feline Leukemia virus (FeLV) which has resulted in a fall in natural erythropoietin production. Darbepoietin stimulates the bone marrow to increase the production of red blood cells.

Darbepoetin is administered by injection initially on a weekly basis.

Like all medications, darbepoetin can have potential side-effects in cats. As this is an unlicensed product, the information available is limited, but reported side-effects in cats include; high blood pressure, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, pain, swelling, or redness at the site of the injection and allergic reaction.

It is important to monitor your cat closely for any signs of side-effects after receiving darbepoetin, and to contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any concerning symptoms. Your veterinarian may also recommend regular blood tests to monitor your cat’s response to the medication and to detect any potential side-effects early on.

Darbepoietin should not be administered to patients with high blood pressure.

Some patients may develop antibodies to this drug which will mean it no longer works to increase red cell production. This is less common than with other forms of synthetic human erythropoietin.

Your cat will initially require weekly treatment but the frequency will be adapted according to the red cell response. Your veterinarian will advise you as to the required frequency of administration.

All unused darbepoietin should be returned to your veterinary practice for disposal and must not be placed in household waste.

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose.

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.

Darbepoetin should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.

If accidentally injected into a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

Your veterinarian will regularly monitor your cat and perform blood tests to assess their response to this treatment.

Further information 

If you have any concerns, further information on darbepoetin can be found on the package insert.

Europe & UK

• There are no veterinary drugs containing darbepoetin licensed for use in cats in the UK. Your veterinary surgeon may prescribe a human drug containing darbepoetin and will be able to explain the use of off-license medications to you.

US

• There are no veterinary drugs containing darbepoetin licensed for use in cats in the US. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human drug containing darbepoetin and will be able to explain the use of off-license medications to you.

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.