Nplate
Nplate (romiplostim) is injected under the skin weekly mainly to treat low platelet counts in people whose immune system attacks their platelets. Unlike some other medications used to treat this condition, Nplate (romiplostim) doesn't weaken the immune system, so it doesn’t raise your risk for infections. Nplate (romiplostim) is only used when certain medical procedures (removal of the spleen or splenectomy) or other medications for ITP (corticosteroids) haven't worked well for you.
What is Nplate (romiplostim)?
What is Nplate (romiplostim) used for?
Low platelet levels in the blood caused by attacks from the immune system (immune thrombocytopenic purpura or ITP)
Blood problems caused by too much radiation (hematopoietic syndrome of acute radiation syndrome)
How Nplate (romiplostim) works
Nplate (romiplostim) is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist. This means that it acts like the hormone thrombopoietin that’s responsible for the production of your platelets. Platelets are blood cells that help you form clots to prevent bleeds. When your platelet levels are too low, you’re at higher risk for bleeds.
Nplate (romiplostim) is used to raise the amount of platelets in people with immune thrombocytopenia, a condition where your platelets are attacked by your immune system. Nplate (romiplostim) is also used to raise platelet levels in people whose platelets have been destroyed by too much radiation exposure. By raising the platelet levels, this medication helps lower the risk for bleeding.
Drug Facts
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What are the side effects of Nplate (romiplostim)?
Common Side Effects
- Joint stiffness (26%)
- Dizziness (17%)
- Trouble sleeping (16%)
- Muscle pain (14%)
- Arm or leg pain (13%)
- Stomach pain (11%)
- Bruising (41%)
- Cough, runny nose, and other symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection (31%)
- Mouth and throat pain (25%)
- Fever (24%)
- Diarrhea (20%)
- Rash (15%)
- Stomach pain (14%)
Other Side Effects
- Shoulder pain
- Heartburn
- Tingling sensation in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
- Purple spots on the skin (from damaged small blood vessels)
- Swelling in the arms and legs
- Hives
- Ear, stomach, and sinus infection, redness, or swelling
Serious Side Effects
- Serious allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever, wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Blood clot in the liver: upper stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Other types of blood clots: legs or arms (swelling, redness, pain), lungs (difficulty breathing, chest pain), heart attack (chest pain, pain in the arms or shoulders, pain in the neck or jaw, shortness of breath), stroke (numbness, tingling feeling, difficulty speaking, confusion)
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
body aches or pain
change in hearing
chills
difficulty breathing
ear congestion, drainage, or pain
headache
loss of appetite
loss of voice
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
rapid weight gain
stomach pain
stuffy or runny nose
tightness of the chest
tingling of the hands or feet
unusual tiredness or weakness
unusual weight gain or loss
upper stomach pain
Incidence not known
Burning pain, warmth, swelling, or redness of the hands and feet
fast heartbeat
feeling of warmth
hoarseness
irritation
joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
redness of the skin
trouble swallowing
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Acid or sour stomach
belching
bruise
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
difficulty with moving
dizziness
indigestion
mouth or throat pain
muscle pains, cramps, or stiffness
pain in the shoulder, arms, or legs
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
trouble sleeping
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Nplate (romiplostim)
Pros
Only injected once a week
No risk of serious infection since it doesn’t weaken the immune system, like corticosteroids
Can be used in children
Patient assistance programs are available to help lower the cost
Cons
Needs to be injected, so not a good option for people who don’t like needles
Has to be injected by a provider at a hospital or clinic
Risk of blood clots
Only available as a brand medication, so it can be expensive
Pharmacist tips for Nplate (romiplostim)
You don't need to change your diet while you're taking Nplate (romiplostim).
When you first begin Nplate (romiplostim), your healthcare provider will monitor and check your platelet levels every week to see if the dose is right for you and change your dose if needed. Once you’re on a stable dose of Nplate (romiplostim), you’ll only need to get blood tests once a month.
If you miss an appointment for your Nplate (romiplostim) injection, call your provider as soon as possible to schedule your next dose.
If your provider thinks your platelet levels are stable enough for you to stop taking Nplate (romiplostim), you’ll still have to continue getting blood tests for at least 2 weeks after your last dose to make sure your platelet counts haven't dropped.
Talk with your provider if you have any bruising, bleeding, or swelling after receiving the Nplate (romiplostim). Be careful when playing contact sports, shaving, or using sharp objects. There’s a chance that Nplate (romiplostim) might not work well for you, so you might still be at risk for bleeds.
Nplate (romiplostim) shouldn't be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding because there’s a possibility that it can harm the baby.
Nplate (romiplostim) (romiplostim) might raise the risk of blood clots. Let your provider know if you experience any swelling, redness, or pain.
Frequently asked questions about Nplate (romiplostim)
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What are the risks and warnings for Nplate (romiplostim)?
Nplate (romiplostim) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Blood cancer (leukemia)
Risk factors: People with precancerous blood disorder (myelodysplastic syndrome or MDS)
People with MDS who use Nplate (romiplostim) can develop a more serious blood cancer called acute myeloid leukemia (AML). As a result, Nplate (romiplostim) is not approved to treat low platelet levels in people with MDS. Before starting Nplate (romiplostim), speak to your provider if you have a history of blood cancer because this medication might not be right for you.
Blood clots
Risk factors: Liver problems | History of blood clots
Because Nplate (romiplostim) raises your platelet levels, it can put you at higher risk for blood clots. Blood clots linked to Nplate (romiplostim) use were those that occurred in the liver (portal vein thrombosis) in people with liver problems. Let your healthcare provider know if you experience symptoms of a clot in your liver, including stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
It’s also possible for clots to form in other parts of your body, like your heart or brain. This can cause problems such as a heart attack or stroke. If you experience chest pain, pain in the arms or shoulders, redness or swelling in the arms or legs, numbness on one side of your body, difficulty breathing, or confusion, contact your provider as soon as possible.
Possibility that Nplate (romiplostim) doesn't work well for you
Risk factors: Antibodies against Nplate (romiplostim)
Nplate (romiplostim) might not work well for everyone. It's possible for some people to develop antibodies that block Nplate (romiplostim) from working. Let your provider know if you continue to notice signs of bleeding, such as bruising easily or bleeds that are difficult to stop, even though you've been taking Nplate (romiplostim) for a while. Your provider might need to test you for antibodies.
Nplate (romiplostim) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Nplate (romiplostim)
This medication must be given by a healthcare provider. Your provider will determine your dose of Nplate (romiplostim) based on your weight.
ITP: The typical starting dose is 1 mcg/kg injected under the skin once weekly. Your provider will adjust your dose based on your platelet level.
Blood problems from too much radiation: The typical dose is 10 mcg/kg injected under the skin as a one-time dose by your provider.
Interactions between Nplate (romiplostim) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Nplate (romiplostim) cost?
What are alternatives to Nplate (romiplostim)?
Low platelet levels in the blood caused by attacks from the immune system (immune thrombocytopenic purpura or ITP)
Blood problems caused by too much radiation (hematopoietic syndrome of acute radiation syndrome)
Allergies or allergic reactions
Conditions affecting certain hormones (e.g., low adrenal hormones)
Eye conditions
Lung conditions
Gut conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
Conditions related to blood cells
Certain cancers (e.g., leukemia
Nervous system conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
Joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
Low platelet count in people with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) when other medications haven’t worked - adults and children
Low platelet count in people with long-term hepatitis C - adults only
Used alone or with other medications in people who can’t make enough blood cells (severe aplastic anemia) - adults and children
Nplate (romiplostim) images
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