Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: FILGRASTIM - INJECTION (fill-GRASS-tim)
BRAND NAME(S): Neupogen
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: This medication stimulates the blood system (bone marrow) to make white blood cells. White blood cells help you fight infections. This medication is given to those whose ability to make white bloods cells has been reduced.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection usually once a day until the proper blood counts are reached. If you will be administering this at home, make sure you understand the correct technique for injection and properly dispose of needles, syringes and the medication.
SIDE EFFECTS: Bone pain and fever have been reported. Most other side effects noted have been due to the medical condition or the chemotherapy medication. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: chest pain, rapid or irregular heart rate, mouth sores, severe weakness. Rarely, a potentially fatal rupturing of the spleen may occur. Tell your doctor immediately if either of these side effects occur: stomach/abdominal pain and/or shoulder pain. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions, such as: heart disease, any allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor about breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) - A complete blood count (CBC) measures the concentration of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood and aids in the diagnosis of conditions and diseases such as anemia, malignancies, and immune disorders.
- Cancer - Learn about cancer types, disease statistics, facts, and survival rates, and get information about how malignant tumors (cancerous growths) metastasize or spread.
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