Oprelvekin (Subcutaneous)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 16, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Neumega

Available Dosage Forms:

• Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Hematopoietic

Pharmacologic Class: Thrombopoietic Growth Factor

Uses for oprelvekin

Oprelvekin is a synthetic (man-made) version of a substance called interleukin-11. Naturally occurring interleukin-11 is produced by bone marrow cells in the body and helps to make platelets, which are necessary for proper clotting of blood. Oprelvekin is used to help prevent low platelet counts caused by treatment with some cancer medicines.

Oprelvekin is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using oprelvekin

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For oprelvekin, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to oprelvekin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Oprelvekin has caused joint and tendon problems in animals and there is a possibility it could also cause these effects in children receiving it. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.

Geriatric

Oprelvekin has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of oprelvekin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Congestive heart failure—May be worsened because oprelvekin causes the body to retain water
• Atrial arrhythmias (heart rhythm problems)—Oprelvekin may cause heart rhythm problems
• Fluid build-up in the abdomen or lungs—May be worsened by oprelvekin
• Myeloablative chemotherapy— May lead to serious side effects

Proper use of oprelvekin

If you are injecting oprelvekin yourself, each package of oprelvekin will ...