Oprelvekin Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Thrombocytopenia Drug Induced

50 mcg/kg subcutaneously once a day starting 6 to 24 hours after chemotherapy completion

Duration of therapy: Until the post-nadir platelet count is 50,000/mcL or greater up to 6 cycles following chemotherapy; dosing beyond 21 days is not recommended; discontinue treatment at least 2 days before starting the next planned chemotherapy cycle.

Comments:

• Administer in the abdomen, thigh, or hip (or upper arm if not self-injecting).
• In clinical trials, doses were administered in courses of 10 to 21 days.

Use: Prevention of severe thrombocytopenia and reduction of the need for platelet transfusions following myelosuppressive chemotherapy in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies who are at high risk of severe thrombocytopenia.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Mild to moderate renal dysfunction (CrCl 30 mL/min or greater): No adjustment recommended
Severe renal dysfunction (CrCl less than 30 mL/min): Reduce dose by 50%

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

US BOXED WARNING:

• ALLERGIC REACTIONS INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS: This drug has caused allergic or hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. Administration of this drug should be permanently discontinued in any patient who develops an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction.

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• Initiate treatment under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional. Appropriately trained patients may self-administer if prescribed to do so.
• The manufacturer product information should be consulted.

Storage requirements:

• Protect from light.
• Refrigerate at 2 to 8C (36 to 46F); do not freeze.
• Reconstituted drug may be refrigerated at 2 to 8C (36 to 46F) or maintained at room temperature for up to 3 hours following reconstitution; do not freeze or shake the reconstituted solution.

Reconstitution/preparation techniques: The manufacturer product information should be consulted.

General:

• This drug is not indicated following myeloablative chemotherapy.
• Effectiveness has not been established in patients receiving chemotherapy regimens of greater than 5 days in duration or regimens associated with delayed myelosuppression.

Monitoring:

• Monitor platelet counts during the time of expected nadir and until adequate recovery has occurred (post-nadir counts 50,000/mcL or greater).
• Monitor fluid and electrolyte status.
• Monitor preexisting fluid collections, including pericardial effusions or ascites.

Patient advice:

• Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if any of the following signs or symptoms develop: swelling of the face, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing, swallowing or talking; shortness of breath; wheezing; chest pain; throat tightness; lightheadedness; loss of consciousness; confusion; drowsiness; rash; itching; hives; flushing and/or fever.
• Inform patients that mild to moderate peripheral edema and shortness of breath on exertion can occur within the first week and may continue for the duration of treatment.
• Advise patients with preexisting pleural or other effusions or a history of congestive heart failure to contact their physician if dyspnea worsens.
• Advise patients to contact their physician if symptoms attributable to atrial arrhythmia occur.
• Female patients of childbearing potential should be advised of the possible risks to the fetus.

See also:

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer