Romiplostim is used to treat chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura or ITP, a bleeding disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets.
Romiplostim should be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm or abdomen area) once a week.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you. Do not administer this medicine by yourself unless trained with proper reconstitution and administration techniques by your doctor.
If you are already eligible for self-administration of this medicine, follow these steps:
- Dissolve your Romiplostim solution for injection as instructed by your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
- Pull back the pink safety cover away from the needle.
- Remove the needle shield carefully.
- Gently pinch the area of skin and hold it firmly. Hold the syringe like a pencil at a 45-degree angle to the skin.
- Push the needle into the skin.
- Inject the prescribed dose as directed by your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
- When the syringe is empty, pull the needle out of the skin.
- A little bleeding may occur at the injection site. Press a cotton ball or gauze over the area for 10 seconds. If needed, you may cover it with a plaster.
- After injecting, use your thumb or tip of your finger to activate the pink safety cover. Ensure that the needle tip is covered.
- Always cover the needle with the pink safety cover before disposal.
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. If you need help with understanding the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Throw away the used needle according to your doctor or pharmacist’s instructions. Use a new needle for each injection.
DO NOT inject Romiplostim intravenously (into a vein) or intramuscularly (into a muscle).
Do not share your Romiplostim injection with anyone else.
This medicine should be administered regularly for it to be effective. Do not stop using it unless instructed by your doctor. Your condition may worsen if Romiplostim is stopped suddenly.
If you miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement injection should be given as soon as possible.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- inherited or acquired blood disorders
- kidney disease
- risk factors of having blood clots e.g. old age,prolonged immobilisation, cancer, contraceptive use, hormone replacement therapy, recently had surgery or injury, obesity, smoker smoking, history of stroke
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Romiplostim.
Do not participate in activities in which you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Alert your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (e.g. too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood vessels and overall health. It has been shown that smoking will make your condition worse. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to kick your smoking habit.
Regular exercise will help to gradually improve your condition by improving your blood circulation. However, you should not over-exert yourself. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Your doctor may also need to do routine blood tests (e.g. complete blood count including platelet counts) before, during and after discontinuation of treatment.
Romiplostim may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, indigestion, constipation, muscle pain, joint pain, limb pain, shoulder pain, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet, and pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- shortness of breath and chest pain
- pain and swelling in your arms and legs
- redness of skin with unusual bleeding or bruising
- swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
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 allow to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
