Generic Name: pegfilgrastim (PEG fil GRAS tim)
Brand Names: Neulasta
What is pegfilgrastim?
Pegfilgrastim is a man-made form of a protein that stimulates the growth of white blood cells in your body. White blood cells help your body fight against infection.
Pegfilgrastim is used to prevent neutropenia, a lack of certain white blood cells caused by receiving chemotherapy.
Pegfilgrastim may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about pegfilgrastim?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to pegfilgrastim or filgrastim (Neupogen).
Before using pegfilgrastim, tell your doctor if you have sickle cell disorder, chronic myeloid leukemia, myelodysplasia (also called "preleukemia"), or if you are allergic to latex.
Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
Pegfilgrastim is usually given once per chemotherapy cycle. This medication should not be given within 14 days before or 24 hours after you receive chemotherapy.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using pegfilgrastim?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to pegfilgrastim or filgrastim (Neupogen).
To make sure you can safely use pegfilgrastim, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
sickle cell disorder;
chronic myeloid leukemia;
myelodysplasia (also called "preleukemia"); or
if you are allergic to latex.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether pegfilgrastim will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of pegfilgrastim on the baby.
It is not known whether pegfilgrastim passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use pegfilgrastim?
Pegfilgrastim is injected under the skin. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Pegfilgrastim is usually given once per chemotherapy cycle. This medication should not be given within 14 days before or 24 hours after you receive chemotherapy. Do not shake the prefilled syringe or you may ruin the medicine. Prepare your dose only when you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
Each prefilled syringe is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it after injecting your dose.
Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with pegfilgrastim. Visit your doctor regularly.
Store this medication in the refrigerator, do not freeze. Protect from light and do not shake. Take the medicine out and allow it to reach room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting your dose.
Throw away any unused syringes after the expiration date on the label has passed.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of pegfilgrastim.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using pegfilgrastim?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Pegfilgrastim side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using pegfilgrastim and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
sudden or severe pain in your left upper stomach spreading up to your shoulder;
severe dizziness, skin rash, or flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
rapid breathing or feeling short of breath;
signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, unusual weakness; or
bruising, swelling, pain, redness, or a hard lump where the injection was given.
Less serious side effects may include:
bone pain;
pain in your arms or legs; or
bruising, swelling, pain, redness, or a hard lump where the injection was given.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pegfilgrastim Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Neutropenia Associated with Chemotherapy:
6 mg subcutaneously once per chemotherapy cycle, beginning 24 to 72 hours after completion of chemotherapy
Usual Pediatric Dose for Neutropenia Associated with Chemotherapy:
Based on limited studies:
1 to 12 years old: 100 mcg/kg (maximum dose: 6 mg) once per chemotherapy cycle, beginning 24 to 72 hours after completion of chemotherapy
13 to 18 years old and greater than 45 kg: 6 mg once per chemotherapy cycle, beginning 24 to 72 hours after completion of chemotherapy
What other drugs will affect pegfilgrastim?
There may be other drugs that can interact with pegfilgrastim. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More pegfilgrastim resources
- Pegfilgrastim Side Effects (in more detail)
- Pegfilgrastim Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Pegfilgrastim Drug Interactions
- Pegfilgrastim Support Group
- 7 Reviews for Pegfilgrastim - Add your own review/rating
- pegfilgrastim Subcutaneous Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Pegfilgrastim Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Pegfilgrastim MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Pegfilgrastim Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Neulasta Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Neulasta Consumer Overview
Compare pegfilgrastim with other medications
- Neutropenia Associated with Chemotherapy
Where can I get more information?
- Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about pegfilgrastim.
See also: pegfilgrastim side effects (in more detail)
No comments:
Post a Comment