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 is also given to people whose ability to make platelets is
reduced due to exposure to large amounts of radiation. Romiplostim acts
like a certain natural substance (thrombopoietin) that causes the body to
produce platelets.
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.
This medication is given by injection under the skin by
a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually
once a week. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, lab
tests, and response to treatment.
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 right away 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)
lasts or gets worse.
Headache, joint/muscle pain, dizziness, heartburn,
abdominal pain, tingling/numbness in hands/feet, and trouble sleeping may
occur. In children, fever, mouth/throat pain, diarrhea, easy bruising, or
swelling hands/ankles/feet may also occur. If any of these effects last or
get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor 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 (such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the lungs or
legs), especially if your platelet counts are too high. Keep all
medical/lab test appointments. Get medical help right away if you
have:
- shortness of breath/rapid breathing
- chest/jaw/left arm pain
- sudden dizziness/fainting
- pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf
- trouble speaking
- weakness on one side of the body
- sudden vision changes
- confusion
- unusual sweating
- sudden/severe headaches
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away 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 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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)
- liver disease
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and
benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, sudden shortness of breath,
coughing up blood, sudden dizziness/fainting, chest/jaw/left arm pain,
trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body, vision
problems/changes.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood and platelet
counts) should be done before you start using this medication and while you
are using it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor
for more details.
If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right
away for a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic or
doctor's office and will not be stored at home.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).