Medicines and Drugs
Find information on thousands of medicines and drugs on common names, uses, how to use, side effects, precautions, storage, drug interactions, overdose symptoms, what to do if you miss a dose and more.
Oprelvekin subcutane.
Drug Name Oprelvekin subcutane.
Oprelvekin subcutane. Drug Category OPRELVEKIN - INJECTION
Oprelvekin subcutane. Drug Information
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
OPRELVEKIN - INJECTION
(oh-PRELL-veh-kin)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Neumega
USES: This medication is used to prevent low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) and to reduce the need for blood transfusions following cancer treatments.
HOW TO USE: Use exactly as directed by injection under the skin (SQ or SC) of the abdomen, thigh or hip once daily for 10 to 21 days, beginning after chemotherapy. Doses and duration of treatment are adjusted based on your condition. Learn all the preparation and administration instructions in the product package and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unclear on any information. Do not shake the vial. Do not use if the mixture is cloudy or colored. A puncture resistant container should be used for the disposal of used needles and syringes.
SIDE EFFECTS: Weakness, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, arm or leg swelling may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: chest pain, rapid or irregular heart beats, fainting, muscle/bone pain, nervousness or difficulty sleeping, mouth sores, eye pain, vision changes, bruising or bleeding. Unlikely but report promptly: persistent sore throat/cough/ fever. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, facial swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your entire medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), heart diseases, severe water retention, high blood pressure, eye disease (e.g., papilledema), brain tumors. Limit alcohol intake as it may enhance certain side effects of this medication. Since this drug may cause dizziness or fatigue, use extreme caution if operating machinery or performing hazardous tasks (e.g., driving). Use in children, especially those less than 12 years of age, is not recommended (except in approved clinical studies). Serious eye problems (papilledema) may occur more often in children. Caution is advised when this product is used in the elderly. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you use, especially of: diuretics ("water pills" such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide), other blood pressure control drugs, certain chemotherapy agents (e.g., doxorubicin, ifosfamide). Certain laboratory values may decrease during treatment with this drug (e.g., hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC, albumin, calcium). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory tests may be taken to monitor drug effectiveness and side effects.
MISSED DOSE: Each dose should be used at about the same time each day. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store in a refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2- 8 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze or shake. Diluted drug must be used within 3 hours of mixing and can be stored in the vial either at 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) or at room temperature up to 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Discard any unused portion of the vial.