Drugs & Vitamins

Oprevlvekin, rH-IL-11 Injection Active Ingredients: Oprevlvekin, rH-IL-11 Injection Representative Names: Neumega What is oprelvekin, rhIL-11 injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with oprelvekin? What side effects may I notice from receiving oprelvekin? What should I watch for while taking oprelvekin? Where can I keep my medicine? What is oprelvekin, rhIL-11 injection? (Back to top) OPRELVEKIN, rhIL-11 (Neumega®) helps your body produce more platelets in the blood. Oprelvekin is similar to a substance your body normally makes, interleukin (IL)-11. Oprelvekin helps to reduce your need for platelet transfusions following chemotherapy. Generic oprelvekin injections are not available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of the following conditions: •ascites •heart failure or other heart disease, including any medicines you are taking for these conditions •irregular heart beats •kidney disease •pleural effusion •previous treatment with doxorubicin •receiving diuretics (water pills) •an unusual or allergic reaction to oprelvekin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Oprelvekin is given as an injection under the skin. A health-care professional can give it, or you may be able to give yourself the injections. Before you try to use this injection, carefully read the instructions provided. Make sure you understand how to prepare, inject, and store oprelvekin. Before preparing an injection always wash your hands well with soap and water. Do not shake the solution before measuring or injecting a dose. Do not use more than the prescribed dose. Using larger or more frequent doses increases the risk of getting serious side effects. Each dose of oprelvekin should be given at about the same time each day. If you will be giving oprelvekin at home, make sure you receive a puncture resistant container for the disposal of used syringes and needles. Do not reuse needles or syringes. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, continue with the next scheduled dose. What drug(s) may interact with oprelvekin? (Back to top) •diuretics (water pills) Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving oprelvekin? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •blurred vision or other eye problems •chest pain •fever, chills •fainting •fatigue •fast or irregular heartbeat that persists •shortness of breath or difficulty breathing •skin rash, hives, or itching •swelling of the face, tongue, throat, arms and/or legs •white patches in the mouth Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •constipation •diarrhea •dizziness •headache •difficulty sleeping •muscle pain •nausea/vomiting •numbness, tingling in the hands and feet •skin discoloration or other skin problems •sore throat What should I watch for while taking oprelvekin? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to receive this medicine on a daily basis following chemotherapy; your physician will determine the length of therapy based on your progress. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you have chest pain, vision problems, or notice an uneven heart beat or if you faint. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat or a cough. Do not treat yourself. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Store vials in a refrigerator at 2—8 degrees C (36—46 degrees F). DO NOT FREEZE. The mixed product must be used within 3 hours of adding sterile water and can be stored in the vial either in the refrigerator or at room temperature up to 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:08/26/2004 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.