Aranesp

Generic name: darbepoetin alfa

Used for: Anemia from chronic kidney disease · Anemia from chemotherapy · 1 more

How do you pay?

How to pay the least

Ask for the cash price

Aranesp

Aranesp is a biologic. Biologics don’t have generics, but some have biosimilars or an unbranded version from the same maker. Ask your pharmacist or prescriber whether one is sold.

  1. Ask your pharmacy for Aranesp’s cash price, and one or two other pharmacies too.

Free from the maker, if you qualify Amgen Safety Net Foundation. Amgen Safety Net Foundation income requirements are based on a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level, adjusted for household size. Or call 1-800-932-3060.

See if you qualify 

Compare every option

Question
Brand nameAranesp
Authorized genericdarbepoetin alfa
Regular genericdarbepoetin alfa
What you’d pay
Cash priceAsk the pharmacy
Not soldThere isn’t one
Not soldNone sold yet
Same as Aranesp?
The original
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–

Brand nameNo maker’s card

We didn’t find a savings card or cash price from Aranesp’s maker. Ask the pharmacy for Aranesp’s cash price. With insurance, ask what your plan charges.

Authorized genericNot sold

There isn’t one. An authorized generic is Aranesp itself, from the same company, sold without the brand name, and usually for less. For now Aranesp is the only choice; ask the pharmacy for its cash price, or your plan what it charges.

Regular genericNot sold

Aranesp is a biologic. Biologics don’t have generics, but some have biosimilars or an unbranded version from the same maker. Ask your pharmacist or prescriber whether one is sold. Generics usually come once the brand’s patents and exclusivity end. Until then, ask the pharmacy for Aranesp’s cash price, or your plan what it charges.

What it’s used for

What the FDA label says

Aranesp is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) indicated for the treatment of anemia due to:

  • Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in patients on dialysis and patients not on dialysis.
  • The effects of concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy, and upon initiation, there is a minimum of two additional months of planned chemotherapy.

Limitations of Use Aranesp has not been shown to improve quality of life, fatigue, or patient well-being.

Aranesp is not indicated for use:

  • In patients with cancer receiving hormonal agents, biologic products, or radiotherapy, unless also receiving concomitant myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
  • In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy when the anticipated outcome is cure.
  • In patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy in whom the anemia can be managed by transfusion.
  • As a substitute for RBC transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia.

Source: the FDA label for Aranesp (Amgen, Inc), July 7, 2026. Full label on DailyMed 

Good to know

Prices change: confirm with the pharmacy before you fill. drugalt.com/drug/aranesp/