Oprelvekin

Antihaemorrhagic/Antihemophilic · Platelet growth factor

Indications

Prevention of severe thrombocytopenia and the reduction of the need for platelet transfusions following myelosuppressive chemotherapy.

Dosage

Inj: By SC: Adults: 50 mcg/kg once daily for 10-21 days (until post nadir platelet count > 50,000 cells/microlitre). Children: 75-100 mcg/kg once daily for 10-12 days (until post nadir platelet count > 50,000 cells/microlitre). The manufacturer states that, until efficacy/toxicity parameters are established, the use of oprelvekin in paediatrics patients(particularly those < 12 yr of age) should be restricted to use in controlled clinical trials. Note: First dose should not be administered until 24- 36 hr after the end of chemotherapy. Discontinue the drug at least 48 hr before beginning the next cycle of chemotherapy.

Administration

Oprelvekin should be injected in the stomach, hip, or thigh. It may be injected into the upper arm if it is given by another qualified individual. Oprelvekin must be injected under the skin not in the muscle.

Adverse Effects

Atrial arrhythmias, palpitations, peripheral oedema, tachycardia, syncope, dizziness, fatigue, fever, headache, insomnia, rash, fluid retention, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, anaemia, arthralgia, myalgia, dyspnoea, pleural effusions, weight gain.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Precautions: Use with caution in conditions where expansion of plasma volume should be avoided (e.g. left ventricular dysfunction, CHF, hypertension); cardiac arrhythmias or conduction defects, respiratory disease; history of thromboembolic problems; hepatic or renal dysfunction; not indicated following myeloablative chemotherapy. Should not be used in children, particularly those < 12 years of age, except as part of a controlled clinical trial.

Advice to Patient

Contact prescriber if there is severe allergic reaction (swelling on face or tongue, rash, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing), chest tightness, irregular or fast heartbeat, eye infection or pain, severe headache, dizziness, unusual bruising or bleeding, changes in vision, redness/pain/swelling at injection site. Consult prescriber if you have alcohol addiction. Avoid alcohol during therapy. Complete full course of treatment even if you feel better before completion of course. Stop this medication atleast 2 days before starting the next cycle of chemotherapy. Keep follow up visits with prescriber. Certain lab tests (including CBC, platelet count, electrolyte levels) are required during treatment to check progress, get them done as advised by prescriber.

Pharmacokinetics

Bioavailability: After SC inj: > 80%. Half-life elimination: Terminal: 7 hrs. Time to peak, serum: 3 hrs. Excretion: Urine.

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.