oprelvekin (injectable)

Brand name(s):

oprelvekin, Neumega

What is the most important information I should know about oprelvekin?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have congestive heart failure, kidney disease, a heart rhythm disorder, a seizure disorder, or a history of heart disease, stroke, or fluid retention around your liver, heart, or lungs.

Stop using oprelvekin and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: fever, rash, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, confusion, fainting, hives, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Once you have had an allergic reaction to oprelvekin, you must never use it again. Other serious side effects of oprelvekin include swelling or rapid weight gain, chest pain, uneven heartbeats, sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, problems with speech or balance, and sudden vision loss or pain behind your eyes. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects.

Treatment with oprelvekin is usually started 6 to 24 hours after chemotherapy is completed. Your blood will then need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

It may take up to 21 days of using this medicine before your platelets increase. For best results, keep using the medication as directed.

What is oprelvekin?

Oprelvekin is a protein that stimulates production of platelets in the blood. Platelets are important for proper clotting of the blood and for wound healing.

Oprelvekin is used to prevent platelets from becoming dangerously low in certain people receiving chemotherapy that can result in bone marrow suppression or the need for blood platelet transfusions.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using oprelvekin?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to oprelvekin.

Before using oprelvekin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

congestive heart failure;
a heart rhythm disorder;
a history of heart disease or stroke;
a history of fluid around your liver, heart, or lungs;
a seizure disorder; or
kidney disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use oprelvekin.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether oprelvekin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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