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This medication is used to treat a certain blood disorder (idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura - ITP) in which the blood does not clot properly due to a lack of platelets. Platelets are a type of blood cell needed to form blood clots and prevent bleeding. Romiplostim decreases your risk of bleeding by increasing the number of platelets. Romiplostim acts like a certain natural substance (thrombopoietin) that causes the body to produce platelets.
How to use romiplostim SubQ
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using romiplostim and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Only patients enrolled in the NEXUS program may obtain and use romiplostim. After talking with your doctor about the risks and benefits of treatment, you will need to sign an enrollment form at your doctor\'s office before receiving your first injection. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details about the NEXUS program and for more information about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
This medication is injected under the skin by a health care professional, usually once a week.
Dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. Your doctor will order blood tests (platelet counts) to find the right dose for you. Be sure to keep all medical/lab appointments.
Your risk of bleeding may increase when you stop using romiplostim. Your doctor should order weekly blood tests for at least 2 weeks after your last dose. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any bleeding/bruising.
When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Tell your doctor if your condition (bleeding/bruising) persists or worsens.
Headache, joint/muscle pain, dizziness, heartburn, abdominal pain, tingling/numbness in hands/feet, and trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may rarely cause serious problems from blood clots to the heart, brain or lung (such as pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack), especially if your platelet counts are too high. Keep all medical/lab test appointments. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience: sudden shortness of breath, chest/jaw/left arm pain, coughing up blood, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, vision problems/changes.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before using romiplostim, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood clots, other blood disorders (such as blood cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES:
This medication must be used under close medical supervision so your blood counts can be monitored. Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood and platelet counts) should be performed before you start treatment, weekly when first starting, and then monthly to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.
STORAGE:
Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic or doctor\'s office and will not be stored at home.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised October 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.
