Reblozyl
Reblozyl (luspatercept or luspatercept-aamt) is an injectable medication used to treat anemia (low red blood cells) in adults with beta thalassemia or certain myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) who require regular red blood cell transfusions. Reblozyl (luspatercept) is given by a healthcare provider every 3 weeks.
What is Reblozyl (luspatercept)?
What is Reblozyl (luspatercept) used for?
- Anemia in adults with beta thalassemia who require regular red blood cell (RBC) transfusions
- Anemia in adults with myelodysplastic syndromes with ring sideroblasts (MDS-RS) or myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytosis (MDS/MPN-RS-T) who can't receive an erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) and need regular RBC transfusion
How Reblozyl (luspatercept) works
Reblozyl (luspatercept) is a biologic called an erythroid maturation agent. It helps immature red blood cells develop and work properly. By raising the amount of healthy red blood cells, Reblozyl (luspatercept) can treat your anemia.
Drug facts
Side effects of Reblozyl (luspatercept)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Tiredness (14-41%)
- Headache (14-26%)
- Muscle or bone pain (20%)
- Joint pain (19%)
- Dizziness (11-18%)
- Nausea (9-16%)
- Diarrhea (12-16%)
- Cough (14%)
- Stomach pain (14%)
- Difficulty breathing (13%)
- Allergic reaction (10%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Flu-like symptoms
- Upper respiratory infection
- High blood pressure
- Fast heart rate
- Liver problems
- Injection site reaction
- Feeling faint
Reblozyl (luspatercept) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Blood clots: chest pain, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, pain in leg, cold or pale arm or leg, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, severe headache or confusion, trouble speaking, difficulty walking, dizziness
The following Reblozyl (luspatercept) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Increase in blood pressure
- Severe back pain, numbness or weakness of the hands, arms, legs, or feet, loss of coordination, loss of bowel or bladder control
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Bone pain
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Stomach pain
Pros and cons of Reblozyl (luspatercept)
Pros
- Treatment is every 3 weeks
- Can lower the need for RBC transfusions
- Dose is individualized for each person
Cons
- Not approved for children
- Has to be given by injection
- Can't give yourself the injection; must be given by a provider
Pharmacist tips for Reblozyl (luspatercept)
- You will get regular blood tests throughout your treatment with Reblozyl (luspatercept). Your provider will monitor your hemoglobin to see if your anemia is getting better.
- Remember to go to all of your treatment appointments to make sure you get your injections on time.
- It's also important to get all of your labs done so your provider can adjust your dose properly.
- Let your provider know if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant before starting Reblozyl (luspatercept). Since this medication can cause harm to your unborn baby, speak with your provider for a safer medication.
- If you're a female who's able to have a baby, your provider will have you take a pregnancy test before starting Reblozyl (luspatercept). Take birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose to prevent pregnancy.
- It's possible for Reblozyl (luspatercept) to pass into your breast milk and cause harm to your baby. Don't breastfeed during your treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.
- Reblozyl (luspatercept) might make it harder to become pregnant if you're a female, so let your provider know if this is a concern for you.
Common questions about Reblozyl (luspatercept)
Reblozyl (luspatercept) is approved for people with beta thalassemia or certain types of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). In both of these conditions, red blood cells don't form properly and can lead to anemia. Beta thalassemia is a genetic condition where red blood cells don't form correctly and can't carry oxygen your body needs because of misformed hemoglobin (protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen). Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are conditions that cause the bone marrow to make red blood cells that don't develop correctly. Reblozyl (luspatercept) helps the maturing process of red blood cells so they can develop properly.
No. Reblozyl (luspatercept) can lessen the need for or amount of RBC transfusions if your body responds to the treatment. But it can't be used as a substitute for the transfusions. This medication takes time to work, so you would still need to get RBC transfusions if you need to treat your anemia right away.
Reblozyl (luspatercept) can be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) into the upper arm, thigh, or stomach.
Studies have shown that 1 in 5 people with beta thalassemia lowered their requirement for RBC transfusion by about 30% over 12 weeks of Reblozyl (luspatercept) treatment. For those with MDS, about 4 in 10 people receiving Reblozyl (luspatercept) didn't need RBC transfusions for at least 8 weeks in the first 24 weeks of treatment.
Your provider will determine how long your treatment should be based on how you respond to Reblozyl (luspatercept) injections. Your provider will also adjust your dose according to your hemoglobin levels, current symptoms, side effects, and your need for RBC transfusions. Depending on your anemia and symptoms, speak with your provider to see how long you will need to receive Reblozyl (luspatercept) injections.
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Risks and warnings for Reblozyl (luspatercept)
Reblozyl (luspatercept) 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 clots
- Risk factors: Spleen removal | Taking hormone replacement therapy | Taking birth control | Smoking
Some people with beta thalassemia have experienced a blood clot while taking Reblozyl (luspatercept). Speak with your provider before starting this medication if you have a history of blood clots or have any of the risk factors listed above. Your provider can give you medications to lower your risk of blood clots, or find a different medication that's safer for you. Get medical help right away if you experience signs of a blood clot, such as chest pain, leg pain, trouble breathing, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, severe headache or confusion, or trouble speaking or walking.
High blood pressure
Reblozyl (luspatercept) can raise your blood pressure. There's a risk of developing high blood pressure or a worsening of your condition if you currently have high blood pressure. Discuss with your provider to see if you need blood pressure medications or if you need adjustments to your current medications.
Harm to unborn baby
Reblozyl (luspatercept) might cause harm to your unborn baby if you're getting this medication during pregnancy. If you're a female who can have a baby, use an effective form of birth control during your treatment with Reblozyl (luspatercept) and for at least 3 months after the last dose. Let your provider know right away if you become pregnant or think that you might be pregnant during your treatment.
Reblozyl (luspatercept) dosage
Typical dosage for Reblozyl (luspatercept)
You provider will determine your dose based on your body weight. The typical starting dose is 1 mg/kg of body weight injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once every 3 weeks. Your provider will adjust your dose based on your response to the medication. Injections are given by your healthcare provider.
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