Oprelvekin (oh-PREL-ve-kin)

Prevents blood disorders that can be caused by some cancer medicines.

Brand Name(s):

Neumega

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver. This medicine is usually given within one day after you receive chemotherapy.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. Use a new bottle of oprelvekin and a new bottle of sterile water for injection to prepare each dose.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• Call your doctor, pharmacist, or home health caregiver for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Use any mixed medicine as soon as possible. It may be stored in the bottle either in the refrigerator or at room temperature, but must be used within 3 hours after mixing. Do not store the mixed medicine in a syringe. Do not freeze or shake the mixed medicine.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using diuretics or "water pills" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Aldactazide®, Aldactone®, Dyazide®, Hyzaar®, Lasix®, Maxzide®, Moduretic®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of congestive heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, brain tumor, head injury, or kidney disease.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Fainting or feeling flush
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Fever, chills, or sore throat
• Numbness, tingling, or cold feeling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Ongoing headache, especially if you also have problems with your vision
• Rapid weight gain
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Trouble breathing
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain or upset
• Cough, runny nose
• Hair loss
• Muscle or bone pain
• Nervousness
• Sores or white patches in your mouth or throat
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088