| Drug and Dosage | Use | Action | Assessment: Side Effects |
|---|
| Darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp)—IV, Subcu 25–500 mcg/kg once weekly | Treatment of anemia with chronic renal failure, chemotherapy | Erythropoiesis-stimulating protein | Peripheral edema; infection; headache, hypertension, hypotension; arrhythmias; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; myalgia, respiratory infection |
| NURSING IMPLICATIONS: See Epoetin |
| Epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit)—Subcu, IV 3–500 units/kg/dose 3 times/wk | Anemia secondary to chronic kidney failure, chemotherapy, HIV treatment | Glycoprotein that stimulates RBC production | Headache, hypertension; iron deficiency, clotting of AV fistula |
| NURSING IMPLICATIONS: Monitor BP closely. Headache is common; report severe or persistent problem |