Oprelvekin, rh-IL-11 injection

What is this medicine?

OPRELVEKIN (oh PREL ve kin) helps your body make more platelets in the blood. It is used to prevent low platelet counts after chemotherapy.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• chest pain

• confusion, disoriented

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• fever

• flushing

• low blood pressure

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• swelling of the hands or feet

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusually weak or tired

• white patches in the mouth

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• aches, pains

• diarrhea

• headache

• mouth sores

• nausea,vomiting

• skin discoloration

• trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

• diuretics

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store unmixed vials in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Protect from light. Do not freeze. After mixing, store in a refrigerator or at room temperature of less than 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) and use in 3 hours or less. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of the following conditions:

• ascites

• brain tumor or high pressure around brain

• heart disease

• history of stroke or TIA

• irregular heartbeat

• kidney disease

• pleural effusion

• taking diuretics

• an unusual or allergic reaction to oprelvekin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for regular checkups. You will need regular blood work done while you are taking this medicine. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.