GENERIC NAME: PEGFILGRASTIM - INJECTABLE (peg-fill-GRASS-tim)
BRAND NAME(S): Neulasta
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: Pegfilgrastim is a long-acting form of the drug, filgrastim. These drugs, called colony-stimulating factors, are used to help stimulate the bone marrow to make white blood cells. White blood cells help the body fight infections. Certain medical conditions (e.g., cancer) and/or medications (e.g., cancer chemotherapy) may reduce the body's ability to make normal white blood cells.
HOW TO USE: Learn how to prepare and inject this drug and review the Pegfilgrastim Patient Information Insert with your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid shaking this medication; doing so may make the drug ineffective. Inject this medication under the skin (subcutaneously-SQ) usually once during each chemotherapy cycle; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is usually one 6 mg injection but it may be adjusted for children or small adults (less than 100 lbs or 45 kg). Do not give this drug from 14 days before to 1 day after your chemotherapy. Giving this drug during this time may increase your risk of certain side effects (leukocytosis). Consult your doctor for details. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: Bone pain, headache, nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: vomiting, swelling of the hands/feet or mouth, fever. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fever, trouble breathing. A very rare and potentially fatal rupture 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, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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.
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