Oprelvekin - Subcutaneous

Oprelvekin is used to prevent severe thrombocytopenia (a condition characterised by low platelet count in the blood) after undergoing certain chemotherapy. It helps reduce the need for platelet transfusion after certain chemotherapy treatments in individuals that are at high risk of developing thrombocytopenia.

Oprelvekin is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm or abdomen area).

Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you. If you or a caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques, you or your caregiver may do the administration.

Use Oprelvekin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not administer more or less than instructed by your doctor.

How to use this medicine:

1. Ensure that you have all the supplies that you need (e.g. vial, pre-filled syringe containing sterile water for injection, cotton balls, alcohol wipes, syringe, needles, puncture-proof container).
2. Wash your hands with soap and water.
3. Flip off the protective cap of the Oprelvekin vial. Wipe the rubber stopper with a sterile alcohol wipe.
4. Remove the seal of the pre-filled syringe containing sterile water for injection, then attach a sterile needle.
5. Hold the vial of Oprelvekin with one hand. Use the other hand to push the needle of the pre-filled syringe through the middle of the rubber stopper of the vial. Carefully aim the needle to the inside walls of the vial and slowly press the plunger of the syringe. Take the needle out of the rubber stopper after injecting all of the sterile water for injection.
6. Gently swirl the vial until all the powder has dissolved. Do not shake it. The fluid inside the vial should be clear, colourless, and free from any visible particles.
7. After the powder has dissolved, wipe the rubber stopper with a new sterile alcohol wipe. Using a sterile syringe, pull the plunger back and fill the syringe with air. Hold the vial with one hand and push the needle in the middle of the rubber stopper. Inject the air from the syringe into the vial.
8. Turn the vial upside down with one hand. Keep the tip of the needle in the fluid and slowly pull the plunger back using the other hand to fill the syringe with your prescribed dose.
9. Take the needle out of the vial and hold the syringe with the needle pointing straight up. To remove air bubbles, gently tap the side of the syringe with your fingertip then slowly push the plunger up.
10. Wipe the selected injection site with alcohol swabs and let it dry. Gently pinch the skin at the injection site with one hand and pick up the syringe using the other hand.
11. Insert the needle in the pinched area of the skin at a 45-degree angle using a dart-like motion. Release the pinched skin after the needle is completely inserted. Push the plunger all the way down until all the solution is injected.
12. Gently pull the needle out of the skin. Place a cotton ball over the injection site and press for 3 to 5 seconds. Do not recap the needle.
13. Dispose your used needles and syringes according to your doctor or pharmacist’s instructions. Do not throw away in household trash. Use a new needle and syringe for each injection.

Ensure that you are using the correct type of syringe. Check with your doctor or nurse if you are not sure.

Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site. Do not inject near the navel (belly button).

If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of the treatment depending on your response to the medication.

Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any dose. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Oprelvekin.

If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.

If you or a caregiver had been trained to administer this medicine and missed a dose, skip the missed dose and resume with the next scheduled dose.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you forgot to administer your dose.

Do not use Oprelvekin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• heart problems e.g. history of heart failure, irregular or abnormal heartbeat
• history of stroke
• abnormal build-up of fluid in the abdomen or around the heart
• eye problems e.g. swelling of a certain nerve in the eye
• tumour involving the brain or spinal cord
• severe kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Oprelvekin is not indicated for use after undergoing myeloablative chemotherapy (treatment that uses high-dose chemotherapy in the bone marrow).

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, platelet count, fluid and electrolyte levels) may be needed before and during treatment with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.

Oprelvekin may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, tingling sensation in the hands or feet, fever, changes in skin colour, and difficulty sleeping.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth or throat
• rapid weight gain over a few days, swelling of the hands, legs or feet
• irregular or abnormal heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath
• changes in your eyesight e.g. blurred vision, loss of vision

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:

• water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. bumetanide, furosemide
• ifosfamide (medicine for cancer)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Oprelvekin.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C.

Do not freeze Oprelvekin otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.

Protect from light.

Keep away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.