Key takeaways

  • Reblozyl is a biologic medication given as an injection under the skin every 3 weeks to treat anemia in adults with beta thalassemia or certain myelodysplastic syndromes who require regular red blood cell transfusions.
  • The medication works by increasing red blood cell production and circulation, which can reduce the frequency of transfusions needed within a few weeks of starting treatment.
  • People taking Reblozyl need close monitoring for serious side effects including blood clots, high blood pressure, and stroke risk, particularly if they use birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, or have had their spleen removed.

Reblozyl (luspatercept-aamt) is a prescription drug used in adults to treat anemia from certain blood conditions, such as:

Reblozyl is given by a healthcare professional as an injection under your skin into your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Reblozyl basics

Reblozyl contains the active ingredient luspatercept-aamt, and it is a biologic medication. A biologic is made from parts of living organisms. Reblozyl is available as a brand-name drug only. It isn’t available in a biosimilar form.

Biosimilars are like generic drugs. But unlike generics, which are made for non-biologic drugs, biosimilars are made for biologic drugs. These tend to be lower cost than biologic or brand-name options.

Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Reblozyl.

How long does it take Reblozyl to start working?

Your doctor will monitor your hemoglobin levels and need for red blood cell transfusions (RBCT) while you take Reblozyl to gauge how the drug is working for you.

Within a few weeks of starting Reblozyl treatment, you should need fewer RBCTs. But if your need for RBCTs isn’t decreased after 9 weeks of receiving Reblozyl, your doctor will likely stop your treatment.

Will Reblozyl cure my condition?

No, Reblozyl does not cure anemia from beta thalassemia or certain myelodysplastic syndromes. There’s currently no cure for these conditions. However, Reblozyl works to manage the symptoms of anemia from these conditions.

If you have other questions about what to expect from your Reblozyl treatment, talk with your doctor.

Is Reblozyl chemotherapy or immunotherapy?

Reblozyl isn’t considered chemotherapy or immunotherapy, despite being used to treat some forms of cancer. Instead, it’s a type of biological therapy called an erythroid maturation agent (EMA), a type of therapy that helps immature red blood cells mature.

Reblozyl is used in adults to treat anemia from certain types of blood conditions, such as:

  • Beta thalassemia: Beta thalassemia is a genetic (inherited) condition. Gene imbalances cause your body to make lower amounts of hemoglobin. (Hemoglobin helps your red blood cells carry oxygen through your body.)
  • Myelodysplastic syndromes: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are types of blood cancer that cause anemia.

Anemia occurs when your body doesn’t make enough red blood cells. It may cause a range of symptoms, including:

  • pale skin, gums, or nails
  • cold hands and feet
  • unusual cravings, such as having the urge to eat ice or dirt

Reblozyl works to treat anemia from these conditions by increasing the amount of red blood cells you have. It also helps these cells circulate through your body properly.

Like most drugs, Reblozyl may cause mild to serious side effects. Keep in mind that the side effects of a drug can depend on your age, other health conditions you have, and other medications you take

According to the drug’s prescribing information, some of the most commonly reported side effects include:

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Reblozyl. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Serious side effects from Reblozyl can also occur. If you have serious side effects from Reblozyl, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number. Serious side effects may include:

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Reblozyl.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Reblozyl. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Reblozyl that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but the dosage you receive will be determined by your doctor.

Your doctor will prescribe a starting Reblozyl dosage based on your body weight in kilograms (kg).* This starting dosage is usually 1 mg per kg injected once every 3 weeks. You’ll receive your dose in a doctor’s office or a clinic.

Your doctor will likely adjust your Reblozyl dosage based on your hemoglobin level and your need for red blood cell transfusions (RBCTs) between doses. Before giving each dose, your doctor will check your hemoglobin level. Depending on your level, they may raise or lower your dose or temporarily stop your treatment.

* One kg is approximately equal to 2.2 pounds (lb).

Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering Reblozyl. What you’ll pay for Reblozyl may depend on several factors, including your treatment plan.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. A program called BMS Access Support may also be available.

You can also check out this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.

Below is important information you should consider before starting Reblozyl treatment.

Interactions

Combining a drug with certain medications, vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the drug works. These effects are called interactions.

Reblozyl is not known to interact with other medications, herbs, supplements, foods, or alcohol. The manufacturer did not list any interactions in the drug’s prescribing information.

Before starting Reblozyl treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Other precautions

Reblozyl can sometimes cause harmful effects in people with certain conditions. This is known as a drug–condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether Reblozyl is right for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Reblozyl. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:

Warnings

Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Reblozyl. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:

If you have beta thalassemia, tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

  • you’ve had a blood clot before
  • you have a higher risk of developing a blood clot, such as taking hormone replacement therapy or having had your spleen removed
  • you’ve had extramedullary hematopoietic (EMH) masses before
  • you have a higher risk of EMH, such as having an enlarged spleen or liver or having had your spleen removed

Your doctor might prescribe Reblozyl, a biologic medication, if you have anemia caused by certain conditions. It’s given by a healthcare professional as an injection under the skin.

Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about side effects, interactions, or dosages.

Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.