Nplate (romiplostim) is a prescription drug that works to treat thrombocytopenia by activating bone marrow cells to make more platelets. Your response to this drug may vary based on your medical history and diagnosis.
Nplate is a brand-name drug prescribed to treat thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) caused by immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in adults and some children who haven’t benefited from other ITP treatments. It’s also prescribed to treat low platelet levels caused by radiation exposure in people of various ages.
Nplate belongs to a class of medications called thrombopoietin receptor agonists. These drugs work like thrombopoietin, a hormone in your body that regulates platelet production. (Platelets are essential for typical blood clotting, also known as coagulation.)
The way a drug works is known medically as its mechanism of action.
Specifically, Nplate attaches to the thrombopoietin receptor (binding site) on a type of bone marrow cell called a megakaryocyte. This attachment activates megakaryocytes so that they can help make platelets.
Nplate’s mechanism of action mimics how your body’s natural thrombopoietin works.
By working in this way, Nplate helps offset your low platelet level. Nplate treatment aims to have enough platelets in your body to help prevent bleeding.
Nplate starts working right away to increase your platelet level. In studies, some people who received Nplate had an increased platelet count as early as 2 weeks after starting treatment. However, your response to this drug may vary based on your medical history and diagnosis.
Your doctor will check your platelet level when you start Nplate and throughout treatment. The results of these blood tests will help your doctor adjust your Nplate dosage if needed.
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