Romiplostim (Subcutaneous)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 17, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Nplate

Available Dosage Forms:

• Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Hematopoietic

Pharmacologic Class: Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonist

Uses for romiplostim

Romiplostim injection is used to treat low blood platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) and help prevent bleeding in patients with a blood disorder called immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Romiplostim is used after a splenectomy (surgery to remove the spleen) or when other medicines (eg, steroids or immunoglobulins) have not worked well enough in patients with ITP for at least 6 months. Platelets help clot the blood. Romiplostim works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce more platelets.

Romiplostim injection is also used to treat acute radiation syndrome in patients who have been exposed to high levels (myelosuppressive doses) of radiation. Myelosuppression is a bone marrow problem that can lead to a decrease in blood cell counts.

Romiplostim is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

Before using romiplostim

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For romiplostim, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to romiplostim or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of romiplostim injection in children 1 year of age and older with ITP for at least 6 months. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 1 year of age with ITP.

Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of romiplostim injection have not been performed in newborns with acute radiation syndrome. However, pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of romiplostim are not expected.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of romiplostim injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving romiplostim injection.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

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.

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