In this Article

• What is oprelvekin (Neumega)?
• What are the possible side effects of oprelvekin (Neumega)?
• What is the most important information I should know about oprelvekin (Neumega)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using oprelvekin (Neumega)?
• How should I use oprelvekin (Neumega)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Neumega)?
• What happens if I overdose (Neumega)?
• What should I avoid while using oprelvekin (Neumega)?
• What other drugs will affect oprelvekin (Neumega)?
• Where can I get more information?

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

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.

How should I use oprelvekin (Neumega)?

Oprelvekin is given as an injection under the skin of your stomach, thigh, hip, or upper arm. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home.

Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Avoid shaking the medication vial (bottle). You may gently swirl the vial, but vigorous shaking can ruin the medicine.

Use a different skin area each time you give yourself an injection. Do not inject this medicine into the same place on your body twice in a row.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

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.

Oprelvekin must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before injecting it. Do not draw your dose into a syringe until you are ready to give yourself an injection. The prepared dose must be used within 3 hours after mixing it.

Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Store unused oprelvekin vials and diluent syringes in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

A vial of oprelvekin should be used only once. Throw away any medicine still in the vial after mixing your dose.