Romiplostim Injection

Why is this medication prescribed?
Romiplostim injection is used to increase the number of platelets (cells that help the blood to clot) in order to decrease the risk of bleeding in people who have chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (chronic ITP; an ongoing condition that may cause easy bruising or bleeding due to an abnormally low number of platelets in the blood).Romiplostim injection should only be used in people who cannot be treated or have not been helped by other treatments, including other medications or surgery to remove the spleen.Romiplostim injection should not be used to treat people who have low platelet levels caused by conditions other than chronic ITP.Romiplostim injection is used to increase the number of platelets enough to lower the risk of bleeding, but it is not used to increase the number of platelets to a normal level.Romiplostim is in a cla*s of medications called thrombopoietin receptor agonists.It works by causing the cells in the bone marrow to produce more platelets.
How should this medication be used?
Romiplostim injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected under the skin by a doctor or nurse in a medical office.It is usually injected once a week.
A program called NEXUS has been set up to be sure that romiplostim injection is used safely.You and your doctor will need to enroll in this program before you can receive romiplostim injection.As part of the program, you will be given written information that explains the risks of treatment with romiplostim injection and you will need to sign a form before you receive the medication.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of romiplostim injection and adjust your dose, not more than once every week.At the beginning of your treatment, your doctor will order a blood test to check your platelet level once every week.Your doctor may increase your dose if your platelet level is too low.If your platelet level is too high, your doctor may decrease your dose or may not give you the medication at all.After your treatment has continued for some time and your doctor has found the dose that works for you, your platelet level will be checked less often.Your platelet level will also be checked for at least 2 weeks after you finish your treatment with romiplostim injection.
You may receive other medications for chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura along with romiplostim injection.Your doctor may decrease your dose of these medications or may tell you to stop taking these medications if romiplostim injection works well for you.
Romiplostim injection does not work for everybody.If your platelet level does not increase enough after you have received romiplostim injection for some time, your doctor will stop giving you the medication.Your doctor may also order blood tests to find out why romiplostim injection did not work for you.
Romiplostim injection controls chronic ITP but does not cure it.Continue to keep appointments to receive romiplostim injection even if you feel well.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with romiplostim injection.Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Other names
NplateВ