Oprelvekin, Neumega, is recombinant human IL-11 that isexpressed in a recombinant strain of E. coli as a thioredoxinand/or rhIL-11 fusion protein.Oprelvekin is indicated for the prevention of severethrombocytopenia. It reduces the need for platelet transfusionsafter myelosuppressive chemotherapy in patients withnonmyeloid malignancies who are at high risk for severethrombocytopenia. Efficacy has been demonstrated in personswho have experienced severe thrombocytopenia followinga previous chemotherapy cycle.
Oprelvekin causes many adverse reactions. Among theseare edema, neutropenic fever, headache, nausea and/or vomiting, dyspnea, and tachycardia. Patients must be monitoredclosely.
Oprelvekin is supplied as a lyophilized powder for reconstitution.Excipients include glycine and phosphate buffercomponents. The powder has a shelf life of 24 months. Itshould be stored at 2°C to 8°C. If it is frozen, thaw it beforereconstitution.
