Neumega Side Effects
Generic name: oprelvekin
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 2, 2023.
Note: This document provides detailed information about Neumega Side Effects associated with oprelvekin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Neumega.
Applies to oprelvekin: subcutaneous powder for solution.
Serious side effects of Neumega
Along with its needed effects, oprelvekin (the active ingredient contained in Neumega) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
The side effects listed below include only those that might be caused by oprelvekin. To find out about other side effects that may be caused by the cancer medicines you are also receiving, see the information about those medicines.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking oprelvekin:
More common
- fast heartbeat
- fluid retention
- irregular heartbeat
- shortness of breath
- sore mouth or tongue
- swelling of feet or lower legs
- white patches in mouth and/or on tongue
- heart rhythm problems
Less common
- bloody eye
- blurred vision
- severe redness and peeling of skin
Incidence not determined
- bleeding
- blistering
- bloody urine
- blurred vision
- burning
- change in ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
- cloudy urine
- coldness
- cough
- decrease or increase in amount of urine
- difficulty swallowing
- discoloration of skin
- dizziness
- fainting or lightheadedness
- fast heartbeat
- feeling of pressure
- hives
- increased blood pressure
- increased thirst
- infection
- inflammation
- itching
- loss of appetite
- lower back/side pain
- lumps
- nausea
- numbness
- pain
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes face, lips or tongue
- rash
- redness
- scarring
- shortness of breath
- skin rash
- soreness
- stinging
- stomach pain;
- swelling
- tenderness
- tightness in chest
- tingling
- troubled breathing
- ulceration
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
- warmth at site
- weight gain
- wheezing
This medicine may also cause the following side effect that your doctor will watch for:
Other side effects of Neumega
Some side effects of oprelvekin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- red eyes
- weakness
Less common
- numbness or tingling of hands or feet
- skin discoloration
- skin rash at place of injection
For healthcare professionals
Applies to oprelvekin: subcutaneous powder for injection.
General
The most common adverse effects requiring clinical intervention were atrial arrhythmias, syncope, dyspnea, congestive heart failure, and pulmonary edema. The most common serious adverse effects were neutropenic fever, syncope, atrial fibrillation, fever, and pneumonia. The most common adverse effects were edema, dyspnea, tachycardia, conjunctival injection, palpitations, atrial arrhythmias, and pleural effusions. Other than severe asthenia, the incidence of severe or life-threatening adverse effects was comparable with this drug and placebo.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
- Very common (10% or more): Nausea/vomiting (77%), diarrhea (43%), mucositis (43%), oral moniliasis (14%)
- Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, constipation, dyspepsia[Ref]
Other
- Very common (10% or more): Edema (59%), fever (36%), severe asthenia (14%)
- Frequency not reported: Death, asthenia, pain, chills, flu-like symptoms, transferrin decreased, gamma globulins decreased[Ref]
Respiratory
- Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (48%), rhinitis (42%), cough increased (29%), pharyngitis (25%), pleural effusions (10%)[Ref]
Hematologic
- Very common (10% or more): Neutropenic fever (48%)
- Frequency not reported: Thrombocytosis, plasma volume increased, hemoglobin decreased, albumin decreased, plasma fibrinogen increased, Von Willebrand factor increased, acute-phase proteins increased[Ref]
Nervous system
- Very common (10% or more): Headache (41%), dizziness (38%), syncope (13%)
- Frequency not reported: Paresthesia, stroke[Ref]
Psychiatric
- Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (33%)
- Frequency not reported: Nervousness[Ref]
Dermatologic
- Very common (10% or more): Rash (25%)
- Frequency not reported: Skin discoloration, exfoliative dermatitis, ecchymosis, alopecia[Ref]
Cardiovascular
- Very common (10% or more): Tachycardia (20%), vasodilation (19%), atrial arrhythmias (up to 15%), palpitations (14%)
- Frequency not reported: Thrombotic events
- Postmarketing reports: Ventricular arrhythmias, capillary leak syndrome[Ref]
Ocular
- Very common (10% or more): Conjunctival injection (19%)
- Frequency not reported: Blurred vision, eye hemorrhage, papilledema
- Postmarketing reports: Visual disturbances, blindness, optic neuropathy[Ref]
Metabolic
- Frequency not reported: Dehydration, severe hypokalemia, anorexia, calcium decreased[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
- Frequency not reported: Myalgia, bone pain[Ref]
Immunologic
- Frequency not reported: Infection
- Postmarketing reports: Allergic reactions, anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reactions[Ref]
Local
- Postmarketing reports: Injection site reactions[Ref]
Renal
- Postmarketing reports: Renal failure[Ref]
References
1. (2001) "Product Information. Neumega (oprelvekin)." Genetics Institute
More about Neumega (oprelvekin)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: interleukins
Patient resources
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Further information
Neumega side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.