Uses

What is Nplate used for?

Nplate is commonly used for the following conditions

  • Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), which causes low platelet levels.
  • Hematopoietic Syndrome of Acute Radiation Syndrome, which can occur from exposure to high levels of radiation

Learn more about How Nplate Works for Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP).

Nplate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Nplate work (mechanism of action)?

Nplate targets a protein in the bone marrow called thrombopoietin (TPO), which is responsible for creating platelets. Platelets are cells that you need to form a blood clot when you are bleeding. Nplate binds to the TPO protein, which signals your bone marrow to make more platelets. 

How is Nplate supplied (dosage forms)?

Nplate is available as an injection that is given under the skin (subcutaneous) by a healthcare provider.

How should I store Nplate?

Nplate is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Nplate?

The most common side effects of Nplate are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Pain in your arms and legs, stomach, or shoulder
  • Indigestion
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in your arms, feet, or face
  • Headache
  • Bronchitis
  • Inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis)
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Cough
  • Mouth and throat pain
  • Bruising (children 1 year of age and older)

There may be other side effects of Nplate that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Nplate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Nplate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Nplate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop receiving Nplate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Blood Clots. Nplate may cause blood clots in your veins or arteries and could cause stroke, heart attack, a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), a blood clot in your arms or legs called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or a blood clot in the liver. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to have your blood checked. Stop receiving Nplate and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following signs of blood clots. 

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech, trouble understanding speech, or trouble speaking
  • Pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in your arm or leg

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Nplate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Nplate.

  • Nplate
  • Romiplostim
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Nplate.

What should I know about Nplate before using it?

Avoid situations that can increase your risk of becoming hurt and increase your risk of bleeding. Talk with your healthcare provider about the use of medicines that may increase your risk of bleeding, such as aspirin.

Nplate can affect your coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Nplate affects you.

Your healthcare provider may do blood tests while you are receiving Nplate to see how the medicine is working for you. The results of these blood tests will tell your healthcare provider if any dose changes need to be made or if the medicine needs to be stopped. 

Nplate works to increase your platelet count, so your risk of bleeding is lowered. The medicine is not used to make your platelet count normal.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any bruising or bleeding during your treatment with Nplate.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Nplate?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Nplate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Tell your healthcare provider if you have bone marrow problems, including a condition called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), where your body does not make healthy blood cells. Receiving Nplate while having MDS can increase your risk of developing acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), a type of blood cancer.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any of the following.

  • Surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy)
  • A bone marrow problem or blood cancer
  • Blood clot
  • Liver disease
  • Bleeding problems

Pregnancy. Nplate may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Do not receive Nplate while you are breastfeeding. It is not known if Nplate can pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Nplate?

For more information about Nplate, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.nplate.com or call them at 866-264-2778.

Interactions

Does Nplate interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Nplate and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between Nplate and alcohol. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while receiving Nplate.

Does Nplate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Nplate and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does Nplate (romiplostim) interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Nplate?

If you or someone else has used too much Nplate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Nplate?

If you miss an appointment to get your Nplate dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible. 

Look up another drug