Luspatercept is used to treat anaemia (low red blood cell count in the body) in individuals with beta thalassaemia (an inherited blood disorder characterised by low levels of functional haemoglobin [a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body]) and myelodysplastic syndromes (a collection of different blood and bone marrow disorders).
This medicine is used in individuals who need red blood cell transfusions.
Luspatercept may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Luspatercept is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen area).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type of your condition and response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Luspatercept.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Luspatercept if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while on Luspatercept therapy, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Luspatercept therapy and for at least 3 months after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine and for 3 months after your last dose.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of extramedullary haematopoietic masses (formation of blood cell components in organs other than the bone marrow)
- history of blood clots
- enlarged spleen or liver
- low haemoglobin levels
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if Luspatercept is suited for you to use.
- Routine blood tests may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Your doctor may check your blood pressure before treatment and may advise you to monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of blood clots may also be needed.
Luspatercept may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, bone and joint pain, dizziness with or without sensations of spinning, headache, back pain, cough, and swelling, itching, and rash at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- pain, swelling, and tenderness in your leg accompanied by redness and warmth
- signs and symptoms of blood clots in the lung artery e.g. shortness of breath, chest pain, cough which may contain blood
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
- severe back or neck pain; numbness or cramping in the feet, legs, hands, or arms; loss of bladder and bowel control
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking hormone replacement therapy.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C.
Do not freeze Luspatercept otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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