Oprelvekin

Information about Oprelvekin

Oprelvekin is a recombinant form of human interleukin 11, a cytokine that stimulates proliferation and maturation of bone marrow stem cells and megakaryocytes and is used to treat severe thrombocytopenia caused by chemotherapy.

Liver safety of Oprelvekin

Interleukin 11 therapy has not been linked to serum enzyme elevations or with instances of jaundice or clinically significant acute liver injury.

Mechanism of action of Oprelvekin

Oprelvekin (oh prel' veh kin") is a recombinant DNA form of interleukin 11, a human cytokine produced by bone marrow stromal cells that induces the proliferation and maturation of hematopoietic stem cells and megakaryocytes. While it stimulates several bone marrow lineages in rodents, IL-11 effects in humans are largely upon megakaryocytes, stimulating a robust increase in platelet counts. Recombinant forms of interleukin 11 have been developed and shown to have potent thrombopoietic activity.

FDA approval information for Oprelvekin

Oprelvekin was approved for use in the United States in 1997 and current indications are as prevention of severe thrombocytopenia and need for platelet transfusions in adults receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy of non-myeloid malignancies. Oprelvekin is available as lyophilized powder in single use vials of 5 mg under the brand name Neumega. The typical dose is 50 µg/kg subcutaneously once daily for 10 to 21 days, usually starting within 6 to 24 hours of completing chemotherapy.

Side effects of Oprelvekin

Common side effects include the complications of sodium retention such as peripheral edema, dyspnea, pleural effusions, dilutional anemia, tachycardia and atrial arrhythmias. Other side effects include headache, fever, dizziness and syncope. Less common but potentially severe adverse reactions include severe arrhythmias, allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, capillary leak syndrome, optic neuropathy, papilledema, visual disturbances and renal failure. Hematologic Agents Eculizumab, Emapalumab, Emicizumab, Lanadelumab, Ravulizumab

Hematologic Growth Factors

• Granulocyte colony stimulating factors
  • Filgrastim, Pegfilgrastim

• Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factors
  • Sargramostim

• Erythropoiesis stimulating agents
  • Epoetin, Darbepoetin, Peginesatide

Thrombopoietin receptor agonists and Thrombopoiesis Stimulators

• • Avatrombopag, Eltrombopag, Fostamatinib, Lusutrombopag, Romiplostim, Oprelvekin (IL-11)

• Dailymed label info on Oprelvekin
• FDA Oprelvekin