filgrastim – injection, Neupogen

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GENERIC NAME: FILGRASTIM – INJECTION (fil-GRAS-tim)

BRAND NAME(S): Neupogen

This medication stimulates the blood system (bone marrow) to make white blood cells, helping you fight infections. It is given to those with reduced ability to make white blood cells. Filgrastim (also known as G-CSF or granulocyte colony stimulating factor) is a man-made version of a natural substance found in the body. It is produced using certain bacteria.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before using filgrastim and each time you refill. Consult your doctor or pharmacist with any questions. This medication is given by injection into a vein or under the skin, usually once a day or as directed by your doctor, until proper blood counts are reached. Dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to therapy. Use the exact amount prescribed. Too little drug may not protect against infections. Too much drug may cause an excess of white blood cells. If self-administering injections at home, learn how to prepare and inject the medication properly. Choose a new injection site each time to prevent soreness. Never inject filgrastim into tender, red, bruised, or scarred skin. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse any questions about administering filgrastim. Learn how to properly dispose of used syringes, needles, and unused medication. Do not reuse needles or syringes. Remove the medication from the refrigerator 30 minutes before injection to allow it to reach room temperature. Avoid shaking the medication as it may become ineffective. Before using, visually inspect the product for particles or discoloration. If present, do not use the liquid. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit. Take it at the same time each day. If receiving cancer chemotherapy, do not take filgrastim simultaneously. Follow your doctor’s directions based on blood count results. Side effects may include aching in the bones and muscles. Taking non-aspirin pain relievers such as acetaminophen may help. Nosebleeds or injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, itching, lumps, or bruising may occur. If side effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist. Rarely, possible spleen damage may occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience stomach/abdominal pain or shoulder pain. A serious allergic reaction is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice other effects. In the US, call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using filgrastim, discuss allergies with your doctor or pharmacist. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially sickle cell disease, heart disease, spleen problems, other blood disorders, and certain skin disorders. If scheduled for radiation therapy, inform your doctor that you are taking filgrastim. Use this medication during pregnancy only when necessary. Consult your doctor about the risks and benefits. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Filgrastim is very similar to tbo-filgrastim. Do not use filgrastim while using tbo-filgrastim. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests. Inform laboratory personnel and all your doctors that you use this drug.

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Do not share this medication with others. Take this medication under close medical supervision so blood counts can be monitored. Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor progress or check for side effects. During a missed dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Refrigerate between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C). Do not freeze or leave out in direct sunlight. If left out of the refrigerator, the medication is only stable for up to 24 hours. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details on how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised November 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, adverse effects, or indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, adverse effects, or indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.