How is Aranesp® typically given (administered)?
Aranesp® may be given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection or rarely into a vein (intravenous). It is typically administered every two weeks, allowing patients to visit their physician less frequently and avoid unnecessary injections. Increased red blood cell levels in response to Aranesp® may take several weeks. The response time is different for every person. The dose and frequency of Aranesp® administration may vary, depending on how the patient responds, and may change over time while using Aranesp®. How are patients typically monitored? Patients will usually have their blood levels monitored closely to assess their response to Aranesp® and to refine the dosage that will provide optimal results. Two important blood levels which will be reviewed are called hemoglobin and hematocrit. Hemoglobin is an iron-containing molecule inside every red blood cell that is responsible for the delivery of oxygen to tissues that have low levels of oxygen. Hematocrit is the proportion of red
