Home » Drug Information » FDA-Approved Drugs » 1997
Medical Areas: Hematology | Oncology
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Drug Information
The following information is obtained from various newswires, published
medical journal articles, and medical conference presentations.
Company: Genetics Institute
Approval Status: Approved November 1997
Treatment Area: platelet deficiency
Neumega (Oprelvekin) has been approved to promote the production
of the body's supply of platelets in cancer patients with solid
tumors or lymphoma who are undergoing chemotherapy. By
significantly reducing the incidence of severely low platelet
levels (thrombocytopenia), a serious side effect which often delays
chemotherapy administration, Neumega may give some cancer patients
a better chance of receiving the treatment they need to fight their
disease.
In clinical trial involving 170 patients, Neumega reduced the
incidence of severe chemotherapy-induced platelet depletion,
reduced the need for platelet transfusions, and reduced the number
of platelet transfusions required.
The most common adverse effects associated with Neumega
treatment included peripheral edema, dyspnea, tachycardia, and
conjunctival redness.
