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Brand Names: Neumega

Generic Name: oprelvekin (injectable) (Pronunciation: oh PERL ve kin)

• 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 is oprelvekin (Neumega)?

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 are the possible side effects of oprelvekin (Neumega)?

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.

Stop using oprelvekin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• chest pain, fast or uneven heartbeats;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with speech, or balance;
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• fever, chills, tingling, body aches, flu symptoms;
• urinating less than usual, or not at all;
• dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain or weakness;
• sudden vision loss, headache or pain behind your eyes, with vomiting; or
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips.

Less serious side effects may include:

• redness of your eyes;
• headache, dizziness, sleep problems (insomnia);
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• skin redness, pain, or irritation where the medicine was injected; or
• runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

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.