Oprelvekin

• Oprelvekin is a medication that helps increase platelet counts.
• It works by mimicking the natural cytokine interleukin-11, stimulating bone marrow to produce megakaryocytes.
• Its primary use is to prevent severe thrombocytopenia in cancer patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
• Common side effects include fluid retention, cardiovascular effects, and allergic reactions.
• Close monitoring by a healthcare professional is essential during Oprelvekin treatment.

What is Oprelvekin and How It Works?

Oprelvekin is a recombinant human interleukin-11 (rhIL-11), a synthetic version of a naturally occurring cytokine crucial for blood cell production. Specifically, it acts as a thrombopoietic growth factor, meaning it stimulates the production of platelets. Platelets are essential components of blood responsible for clotting and preventing excessive bleeding. In medical contexts, particularly oncology, Oprelvekin is a significant therapeutic agent designed to counteract the myelosuppressive effects of certain cancer treatments.

The oprelvekin mechanism of action involves its interaction with specific interleukin-11 receptors found on the surface of hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells within the bone marrow. Upon binding, Oprelvekin initiates intracellular signaling pathways that promote the proliferation, differentiation, and maturation of megakaryocytes. Megakaryocytes are large bone marrow cells that fragment to produce platelets. By accelerating this process, Oprelvekin effectively increases the number of circulating platelets, thereby reducing the incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. This condition, characterized by dangerously low platelet counts, is a common dose-limiting toxicity of many chemotherapy regimens, often necessitating treatment delays or dose reductions.

Oprelvekin: Uses, Side Effects, and Important Warnings

The primary clinical indication for Oprelvekin is the prevention of severe thrombocytopenia and the reduction of the need for platelet transfusions in adult patients with nonmyeloid malignancies who are receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Chemotherapy agents often damage rapidly dividing cells, including those in the bone marrow responsible for blood cell production, leading to a decrease in platelet count. By mitigating this effect, Oprelvekin allows patients to maintain their prescribed chemotherapy schedule, which is critical for optimal cancer treatment outcomes.

Patients receiving Oprelvekin should be aware of potential oprelvekin side effects and warnings. The most frequently reported adverse events are often related to fluid retention, which can manifest as peripheral edema, dyspnea (shortness of breath), and pleural effusions. Cardiovascular effects, such as tachycardia, palpitations, and atrial arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation or flutter), have also been observed. Other common side effects include headache, dizziness, insomnia, and conjunctival injection. Due to the risk of fluid retention and cardiovascular complications, Oprelvekin is generally contraindicated in patients with a history of heart failure or significant cardiac disease, or those at high risk for fluid overload.

Important oprelvekin drug information emphasizes careful patient selection and monitoring. It is administered subcutaneously, typically once daily, beginning 6 to 24 hours after the completion of chemotherapy and continuing until the platelet count recovers to a safe level, usually for a maximum of 14 days. Treatment should be discontinued at least 48 hours before the start of the next planned chemotherapy cycle. Healthcare providers must closely monitor patients for signs of fluid retention, electrolyte imbalances, and cardiac arrhythmias throughout the treatment period. Regular complete blood counts, including platelet counts, are essential to guide treatment duration and assess efficacy.

Here’s a summary of common side effects:

• Fluid retention (e.g., peripheral edema, shortness of breath, pleural effusions)
• Cardiovascular effects (e.g., tachycardia, palpitations, atrial fibrillation)
• Headache and dizziness
• Insomnia
• Conjunctival injection (red eyes)
• Allergic reactions