ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/darbepoetin
US brand names:Aranesp
Darbepoetin is dosed at 1 mcg/kg SC q7d in cats, per Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed (2023) — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.342, Darbepoetin Alfa monograph spanning p.342-343. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Hyperglycosylated analog of erythropoietin with longer half-life. Stimulates red blood cell production from erythroid progenitor cells.
Monitor PCV/HCT closely. Risk of pure red cell aplasia from antibody formation. Supplement iron. Avoid if PCV rising too rapidly.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | SC | 1 mcg/kg | q7d | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed (2023) — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.342, Darbepoetin Alfa monograph spanning p.342-343.Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
| Dog (Domestic) | SC | 0.5–1 mcg/kg | q7d | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed (2023) — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.342, Darbepoetin Alfa monograph spanning p.342-343.Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.