Uses
What is Reblozyl used for?
Reblozyl is commonly used to treat anemia for the following conditions.
- Beta-thalassemia in people who require regular blood transfusions
- Certain types of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in people who may also need blood transfusions
Learn more about How Reblozyl Works for Anemia.
Reblozyl may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Reblozyl work (mechanism of action)?
Reblozyl works to restore red blood cell production by increasing the number and maturity of red blood cells and increasing the amount of hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is a protein on your red blood cell that carries oxygen. An increase in hemoglobin means the blood can carry more oxygen.
How is Reblozyl supplied (dosage forms)?
Reblozyl is available in the following dosage forms that are injected under the skin (subcutaneous).
- 25 mg/vial (single-dose)
- 75 mg/vial (single-dose)
How should I store Reblozyl?
Reblozyl 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 Reblozyl?
The most common side effects of Reblozyl are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle or joint pain
- Dizziness/feeling off balance
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Stomach pain
- Shortness of breath
- COVID-19 infection
- Fluid retention
- High blood pressure
- Allergic reaction
There may be other side effects of Reblozyl 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 Reblozyl?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Reblozyl are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Reblozyl may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop receiving Reblozyl 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. Reblozyl may cause blood clots in your veins or arteries and could cause venous thromboembolism (VTE), stroke, heart attack, or a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Stop receiving Reblozyl 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 or confusion
- Sudden problems with vision or balance
- Slurred speech, trouble understanding speech, or trouble speaking
- Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or leg that will not go away
- Cold or pale arm or leg
Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Reblozyl may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your healthcare provider if your blood pressure increases while receiving this medicine.
If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable but look out for any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.
- Sudden severe headache
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or confusion
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea/vomiting
- Blurry or other changes to vision
- Anxiety
- Buzzing in the ears
- Nosebleed
- Feeling of skipped heartbeats
Extramedullary Hematopoietic (EMH) Masses. Reblozyl may cause EMH masses, which is where your body starts to make blood cells outside of the bone marrow (which is the organ that makes blood cells). Call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following signs or symptoms.
- Severe back pain
- Numbness, weakness, or loss of voluntary movement in the feet, legs, hands, or arms
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Reblozyl?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Reblozyl.
- Reblozyl
- Luspatercept
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Reblozyl.
What should I know about Reblozyl before using it?
Reblozyl is given to you by your healthcare provider once every 3 weeks. The medicine is given in your arm, thigh, or stomach.
You should use an effective form of contraception (birth control pills, condom) while you receive Reblozyl and for at least 3 months after your last dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about contraception options.
Reblozyl can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Reblozyl affects you.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Reblozyl?
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 Reblozyl is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Smoking. Tell your healthcare provider if you smoke. Smoking while receiving Reblozyl can increase your risk of developing blood clots.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any of the following.
- Blood clots
- Your spleen removed
- High blood pressure
- Extramedullary hematopoietic (EMH) masses
- Enlarged liver or spleen
Pregnancy. Reblozyl may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Do not receive Reblozyl while you are breastfeeding and for 3 months after your last dose. It is not known if Reblozyl passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Reblozyl?
For more information about Reblozyl, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.reblozyl.com or call them at 888-423-5436.
Interactions
Does Reblozyl interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Reblozyl and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Reblozyl. The risk of tiredness, dizziness, and feeling off balance may be increased if you drink alcohol while receiving Reblozyl.
Does Reblozyl interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before receiving Reblozyl.
- Hormone replacement therapy, which can be used to treat menopause
- A birth control pill
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Reblozyl. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Reblozyl?
If you or someone else has used too much Reblozyl, 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 Reblozyl?
If you miss an appointment to get your Reblozyl dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.