HomeReimbursement
Content Holder

Treatment Options

Here are some common treatment options* for chronic ITP:

  • Corticosteroids are often prescribed for initial treatment to slow platelet destruction, but are not prescribed long-term because of potential side effects. These range from weight gain and stomach irritation to thinning of the skin, osteoporosis, increased risk of infection, high blood pressure, and kidney stones.
  • IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) provides a temporary improvement in platelet count, usually lasting 3-4 weeks. IVIG is made from human plasma. It is sometimes given as a long-term treatment, but must be administered every month in the doctor’s office over a course of 2-6 hours. IVIG is associated with side effects, including headaches and nausea.
  • Splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen), the only known "cure" for ITP, is effective in only two-thirds of cases. It is considered major surgery, and permanently increases the risk of serious infection.
  • Anti-D immunoglobulins (anti-Ds), also known as RhO(D) IgG or Rh immunoglobulins, are a relatively new treatment option. Rhophylac® is an anti-D. Like IVIGs, anti-Ds are made from human plasma and raise platelet counts, but take less time to administer (they are given intravenously in less than an hour). When used to treat ITP, anti-Ds are effective only in patients with an Rh-positive blood type and are associated with side effects that include chills, fever, and headache.
* Although these are some of the more common treatment options for ITP, a healthcare professional may prescribe other treatments (eg. Rituxan®, cyclosporin, etc.) or may combine treatments as appropriate for individual patients.

Rituxan® is a registered trademark of Biogen Idec Inc.
Fast Facts

Rhophylac® represents a new option for treating ITP, especially for those patients who do not easily tolerate other available treatment options.

Learn About Rhophylac® for ITP

Important Safety Information

Rhophylac®, Rho(D), Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), is indicated for suppression of rhesus (Rh) isoimmunization in:

  • Pregnancy and obstetric conditions in non-sensitized, Rho(D)-negative women with an Rh-incompatible pregnancy, including routine antepartum and postpartum Rh prophylaxis and Rh prophylaxis in cases of obstetric complications, invasive procedures during pregnancy, or obstetric manipulative procedures.
  • Incompatible transfusions in Rho(D)-negative individuals transfused with blood components containing Rho(D)-positive red blood cells.

For suppression of Rh isoimmunization, Rhophylac can be administered IM or IV.

Rhophylac is indicated to raise platelet counts in Rho(D)-positive, non-splenectomized adult patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). For the treatment of ITP, Rhophylac must be administered IV.

WARNING: INTRAVASCULAR HEMOLYSIS IN ITP
This warning does not apply to Rh0(D)-negative patients treated for the suppression of Rh isoimmunization.
Intravascular hemolysis leading to death has been reported in Rho(D)-positive patients treated for immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) with Rho(D) Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) products. Intravascular hemolysis can lead to clinically compromising anemia and multi-system organ failure, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Serious complications, including severe anemia, acute renal insufficiency, renal failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), have also been reported. Closely monitor patients treated for ITP with Rhophylac in a healthcare setting for at least 8 hours after administration. See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.

Rhophylac is contraindicated in individuals with known anaphylactic or severe systemic reaction to human immune globulin products. Rhophylac is contraindicated in IgA-deficient patients with antibodies to IgA and a history of hypersensitivity.

Allergic or hypersensitivity reactions may occur with Rhophylac; early signs of hypersensitivity include generalized urticaria, chest tightness, wheezing, hypotension, and anaphylaxis.

Rhophylac is derived from human plasma. The risk of transmission of infectious agents, including viruses and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent, cannot be completely eliminated.

Suppression of Rh Isoimmunization: For postpartum use following an Rh-incompatible pregnancy, Rhophylac should not be given to the newborn infant.

The most common adverse reactions in the suppression of Rh isoimmunization with Rhophylac are nausea, dizziness, headache, injection-site pain, and malaise.

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura: The most serious adverse reactions in patients receiving Rho(D) immune globulin have been observed in the treatment of ITP. ITP patients being treated with Rhophylac should be monitored for signs and symptoms of intravascular hemolysis, including back pain, shaking chills, fever, and hemoglobinuria. Potentially serious complications of intravascular hemolysis include clinically compromising anemia, acute renal insufficiency, and, very rarely, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and death.

The most common adverse reactions observed in the treatment of ITP are chills, pyrexia/increased body temperature, and headache. Mild extravascular hemolysis has also been observed. In patients with preexisting anemia, weigh the benefits of Rhophylac against the potential risk of increasing the severity of the anemia.

Immunoglobulin administration may transiently interfere with the immune response to live virus vaccines, such as measles, mumps and rubella

Please see full prescribing information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.