Prevents blood disorders that can be caused by some cancer medicines
Brand Names:
Neumega
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to oprelvekin
Uses:
Injectable
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver. This medicine is usually given within one day after you receive chemotherapy.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. Use a new bottle of oprelvekin and a new bottle of sterile water for injection to prepare each dose.
Never share your medicine with anyone.
If a dose is missed:
Call your doctor, pharmacist, or home health caregiver for instructions.
Storage:
If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Use any mixed medicine as soon as possible. It may be stored in the bottle either in the refrigerator or at room temperature, but must be used within 3 hours after mixing. Do not store the mixed medicine in a syringe. Do not freeze or shake the mixed medicine.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
Keep all medicine away from children.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using diuretics or "water pills" (such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, Aldactazide®, Aldactone®, Dyazide®, Hyzaar®, Lasix®, Maxzide®, Moduretic®).
Warnings:
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of congestive heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, brain tumor, head injury, or kidney disease.
Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Fainting or feeling flush
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Numbness, tingling, or cold feeling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Ongoing headache, especially if you also have problems with your vision
Rapid weight gain
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Trouble breathing
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain or upset
