Filgrastim

U.S. Brand Names

Neupogen®

Canadian Brand Names

Neupogen®

Mexican Brand Names

Biocilin; Biofilgran; Filatil; Inmunef; Neupogen

Pharmacologic Category

Colony Stimulating Factor

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to filgrastim or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have a latex allergy, talk with healthcare provider.

• You should not receive this medicine on the same day that you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat aplastic anemia.

• This medicine is used to treat autoimmune neonatal neutropenia.

• This medicine is used to treat cancer patients who have had severe bone marrow problems caused by chemotherapy.

• This medicine is used to treat hairy cell leukemia.

• This medicine is used to treat HIV infection.

• This medicine is used to treat low white blood cell counts.

• This medicine is used to treat myelodysplasia.

How does it work?

• Filgrastim increases the production of white blood cells in the bone marrow.

How is it best taken?

• This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.

• Your healthcare provider may teach you how to give the shot.

• Take this medicine at a similar time of day.

• Before injection, bring to room temperature.

• Wash hands before and after use.

• Throw syringe away after single use. Do not reuse.

• Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Bone pain.

• Headache.

• Short-term discomfort after use.

• Feeling tired or weak.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Check blood work (white blood cells). The dose of the medicine may be changed depending on the results. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Fast heartbeat.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Severe belly pain.

• Severe shoulder pain.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.

• Do not shake.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 12:36:58.0

Modified: 2008-04-30 11:12:13.0

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