Oprelvekin Disease Interactions

Oprelvekin causes fluid retention that can result in peripheral edema, dyspnea on exertion, pulmonary edema, atrial arrhythmias, dilution decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit and changes in serum electrolyte concentrations. Therapy with oprelvekin should be administered cautiously in patients adversely affected by fluid retention, such as patients with congestive heart failure. Clinical monitoring of fluid status and electrolyte levels is recommended.

Transient artrial arrhythmias (fibrillation and flutter) have occurred in approximately 10% of patients receiving oprelvekin. Cardiac conditions, previous cardiotoxic chemotherapy, or advanced age are considered risk factors for development of oprelvekin- associated arrhythmias. Therapy with oprelvekin should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to artrial arrhythmias.

Papilledema has been reported in 2% of patients receiving oprelvekin. Therapy with oprelvekin should be administered cautiously in patients with papilledema or CNS tumors as papilledema can be worsened or induced during therapy.

Oprelvekin is primarily eliminated by the kidneys and drug exposure was significantly increased in patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min). The recommended dose in these patients is 50 mcg/kg once a day. No significant changes were observed in patients with mild or moderate impairment. Fluid retention associated with oprelvekin has not been studied in patients with renal impairment, but fluid balance should be carefully monitored in these patients.