This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Omisirge
- Infusion reactions have happened with this drug. Infusion reactions may be deadly. Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), Dextran 40, gentamicin, albumin, or products made from cows. Tell your doctor right away if you have fever; hives; itching; signs of low blood pressure like dizziness or passing out; swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, tongue, or throat; wheezing; or trouble swallowing or breathing during or after the infusion.
- A health problem called graft-vs-host disease (GvHD) has happened with this drug. GvHD may be deadly. Taking drugs to suppress the immune system may help to lower the risk of GvHD. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, diarrhea, yellow skin or eyes, chest pain, mouth problems like dry mouth, eye problems like dry eyes, or severe stomach pain.
- A health problem called engraftment syndrome may happen with this drug. This may be deadly. Tell your doctor right away if you have unexplained fever, rash, trouble breathing, or weight gain.
- Sometimes, a stem cell transplant does not work. This can be deadly. Have your blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by your doctor.
- Low blood cell counts have happened after use of this drug to treat severe aplastic anemia. Blood cell counts will be watched before and after the infusion.
What is this drug used for?
- It is used in some people who get a type of stem cell transplant to help the number of white blood cells increase faster and lower the risk of infection.
- It is used to treat aplastic anemia.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
- If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- You will need to be sure that you are not dehydrated before getting this drug. Check with your doctor to see if you need to drink extra fluids before getting this drug.
- There is a chance of cancer from the donor cells with this drug, which can be deadly. This includes posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
- This drug is made from umbilical cord blood and may have viruses that may cause disease. Donors are screened to lower the chance of infection. Drugs made from umbilical cord blood may also pass some rare genetic diseases. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
- Products made from cows are also used when making this drug. These are tested to lower the chance of infection. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
- A pregnancy test will be done to show that you are NOT pregnant before starting this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
- Signs of fluid and electrolyte problems like mood changes, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, fast or abnormal heartbeat, severe dizziness or passing out, increased thirst, seizures, feeling very tired or weak, decreased appetite, unable to pass urine or change in the amount of urine produced, dry mouth, dry eyes, or severe upset stomach or throwing up.
- Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, unusual thirst or hunger, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
- Signs of high or low blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
- Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a cause or that get bigger; or bleeding you cannot stop.
- Small red or purple, flat round spots under the skin.
- Depression.
- Anxiety.
- Shortness of breath.
- Swelling.
- Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
- Abnormal heartbeat.
- Call your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection like fever, chills, flu-like signs, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or a wound that will not heal. Some infections have been deadly.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Signs of a common cold.
- Muscle weakness.
- Shakiness.
- Mouth irritation.
- Heartburn.
- Weight loss.
- Change in taste.
- Constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, throwing up, and decreased appetite are common with this drug. If these happen, talk with your doctor about ways to lower these side effects. Call your doctor right away if any of these effects bother you, do not get better, or are severe.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.
- Other drugs will be given to help with infusion reactions.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- This drug will be given in a health care setting.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
- This drug will be given in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General drug facts
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2025-12-23
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