Darbepoetin alfa and Laronidase

• Generic Name: darbepoetin alfa
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Aranesp, Aranesp SureClick, Aranesp Albumin Free, Aranesp SingleJect

Darbepoetin alfa is a man-made form of a protein that helps your body produce red blood cells.

Darbepoetin alfa is used to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy or chronic kidney disease.

Darbepoetin alfa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: laronidase
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Aldurazyme

Laronidase contains an enzyme that occurs naturally in the body in healthy people. Some people lack this enzyme because of a genetic disorder. Laronidase helps replace this missing enzyme in such people.

Laronidase is used to treat some of the symptoms of a genetic condition called mucopolysaccharidosis (MYOO-koe-pol-ee-SAK-a-rye-DOE-sis) or MPS I, also called Hurler syndrome, Hurler-Scheie syndrome, or Scheie syndrome.

MPS I is a metabolic disorder in which the body lacks the enzyme needed to break down certain substances. These substances can build up in the body, causing enlarged organs, abnormal bone structure, changes in facial features, breathing problems, heart problems, vision or hearing loss, and changes in mental or physical abilities.

Laronidase may improve breathing and walking ability in people with this condition. However, this medication is not a cure for MPS I.

Laronidase may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.