Type of medicine: thrombopoietin receptor agonist; platelet producer
Generic and brand names: romiplostim, injection; Nplate
This medicine is given by injection (shots) to treat thrombocytopenia (too few platelets in your blood) in people with chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider all prescription and nonprescription medicines you take. Tell your healthcare provider if you take medicine to prevent or treat blood clots such as warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidogrel (Plavix).
You must be enrolled in a special program before you can receive this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Read the Medication Guide that when you start this medicine and each time you get an injection.
This medicine is given by a healthcare provider once a week as an injection (shot) just under the skin. Your healthcare provider will adjust the dose of this medicine based upon your blood platelet count.
If you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
You will need blood tests while you receive the medicine and for at least 2 weeks after you stop receiving this medicine. Keep all appointments for these tests.
This medicine may worsen blood cancer or cause changes in your bone marrow. Talk with your provider about this.
Report any unusual bleeding or bruising (bleeding gum, nosebleed, blood in urine or stools) to your healthcare provider.
If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away: Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Shortness of breath that gets worse; chest pain; sudden weakness or numbness (especially on one side of your body), slurred speech, confusion, blurred vision or eye pain; severe headache; unusual bleeding or bruising, blood in the urine, or bloody bowel movements; unusual tiredness.
Other: Joint or muscle pain, headache, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, dizziness, trouble sleeping, stomach pain, itching or swelling at injection site.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
