Health Center
Filgrastim, G-CSF(Neupogen®) stimulates the formation of blood cells. Filgrastim is similar to a natural substance in the body, called human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Filgrastim helps the bone marrow to recover its ability to produce white blood cells after a bone marrow transplant, or after bone marrow-suppressing drug therapy (such as cancer chemotherapy). Filgrastim can help patients who have rejection or a delayed response to bone marrow transplants. Generic filgrastim injections are not yet available.
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
·infection
·currently receiving radiation therapy
·an unusual or allergic reaction to filgrastim, E.coli protein, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
·pregnant or trying to get pregnant
·breast-feeding
Filgrastim is for injection or infusion into a vein, or injection under the skin. It is usually given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. If you are given filgrastim for home use, you will be instructed in the proper injection technique. Follow the directions exactly. Always wash your hands before use. Only use a disposable syringe once. Always change the site for the injection. Let the solution warm to room temperature before you use it. Do not shake the solution before you withdraw a dose. Throw away any unused portion after 6 hours.
Try not to miss doses. If you miss a dose take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take double doses unless told to by your prescriber or health care professional.
·medicines for cancer chemotherapy
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
·difficulty breathing, wheezing
·fever
·pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
·bone pain (ribs, lower back, breast bone)
·headache
·muscle aches and pains
·nausea, vomiting
·skin rash
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress (once or twice a week) and for blood tests.
If you get a fever or any sign of infection while you are using filgrastim, do not treat yourself. Check with your prescriber or health care professional.
Bone pain can usually be relieved by mild pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®); however, check with your prescriber or health care professional before taking these medicines as they may hide a fever. Call your prescriber or health care professional if the aches and pains are severe or do not go away.
Keep out of the reach of children. Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degreesC (36 and 46 degreesF); do not freeze or leave in direct sunlight. Bring to room temperature before use. Throw away unused portion after 6 hours at room temperature. Throw away unused vials after the expiration date on the carton.
Make sure you receive a puncture-resistant container to dispose of the needles and syringes once you have finished with them. Do not reuse these items. Return the container to your prescriber or health care professional for proper disposal.
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
[ Revised 1/13/99]
This information was obtained from Clinical Pharmacology 2000 . For more information about this drug or about any other drug, click here.
Return to the Hematology-Oncology Medical Group of the San Fernando Valley Home Page