nplate

Nplate (romiplostim) is a man-made form of a protein that increases production of platelets (blood-clotting cells) in your body.

Nplate is used to prevent bleeding episodes in people with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a bleeding condition caused by a lack of platelets in the blood.

Nplate is usually given after other medications have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Romiplostim is not a cure for ITP and it will not make your platelet counts normal if you have this condition.

Nplate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

Nplate is available only under a special program called Nplate NEXUS. You must be registered in the program and sign documents stating that you understand the risks and benefits of taking this medication.

Nplate is not a cure for ITP and it will not make your platelet counts normal if you have this condition.

Before you use Nplate, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease.

Using Nplate long-term can cause harmful effects on your bone marrow that may result in serious blood cell disorders. To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

It may take up to 4 weeks of using this medicine before it is completely effective in preventing bleeding episodes. Talk with your doctor if you have any bruising or bleeding episodes after 4 weeks of treatment.

After you stop using Nplate, your risk of bleeding may be even higher than it was before you started treatment. Be extra careful to avoid cuts or injury for at least 2 weeks after you stop using Nplate. Your blood will need to be tested weekly during this time.

Before receiving Nplate

To make sure you can safely use Nplate, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease.

Using Nplate may increase your risk of developing blood cancers, especially if you have myelodysplastic syndrome (also called "preleukemia"). Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Nplate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Nplate. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of Nplate on the baby. It is not known whether romiplostim passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Nplate.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How is Nplate given?

Nplate is available only under a special program called Nplate NEXUS. You must be enrolled in this program and sign all required agreements in order to receive the medication. Read all program brochures and agreements carefully.

Nplate is given as an injection under the skin, usually once per week. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection.

It may take up to 4 weeks of before Nplate is completely effective in preventing bleeding episodes. For best results, keep receiving the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if you have any bruising or bleeding episodes after 4 weeks of treatment.

Using Nplate long-term can cause harmful effects on your bone marrow that may result in serious blood cell disorders. To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

After you stop using Nplate, your risk of bleeding may be even higher than it was before you started treatment. Be extra careful to avoid cuts or injury for at least 2 weeks after you stop using Nplate. Your blood will need to be tested weekly during this time.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose can cause signs of a blood clot, including sudden numbness or weakness, sudden headache or confusion, problems with vision or speech, loss of balance, chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, fast heart rate, and pain or swelling in one or both legs.

What should I avoid?

Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Nplate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Nplate: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;

• dizziness;

• joint or muscle pain;

• pain in your arms, legs, or shoulder;

• numbness or tingly feeling;

• sleep problems (insomnia); or

• stomach pain or upset.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Nplate?

There may be other drugs that can interact with Nplate. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.