What is pegfilgrastim?
Pegfilgrastim is a colony stimulating factor. It is a man-made form of a protein that
stimulates the growth of white blood cells called neutrophils in your body. White blood cells help
your body fight against infection.
Pegfilgrastim is used to treat neutropenia, a lack of certain white blood cells caused by
receiving cancer chemotherapy. It is used in people with cancers other than bone marrow cancer.
Pegfilgrastim may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pegfilgrastim?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to pegfilgrastim, filgrastim
(Neupogen), or to other medicines made with the E. coli bacteria.
Before using pegfilgrastim, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have
sickle cell disorder. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use pegfilgrastim.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
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 take pegfilgrastim?
Pegfilgrastim is given as an injection under the skin. Your doctor, nurse, or other
healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine
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.
Pegfilgrastim 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 24 hours after you receive a chemotherapy treatment.
Pegfilgrastim should not be given within the 14 days leading up to your chemotherapy treatment,
or within the 24 hours immediately following chemotherapy. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not shake the medication in its prefilled syringe. Vigorous shaking can ruin the
medicine. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your
doctor for a new prescription.
A pegfilgrastim prefilled syringe is for one use only. Throw the syringe away after using,
even if there is still some medicine left inside. Do not use pegfilgrastim if the expiration date on
the label has passed. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
Use each disposable needle only one time. 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 pegfilgrastim is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested
often. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Store this medication in the refrigerator and protect it from light. Do not allow the
medication to freeze. If it is accidentally frozen, it can be thawed in the refrigerator and used at a
later time. If the medicine freezes a second time, do not use it at all.
You may allow the medication to reach room temperature for 48 hours before giving
the injection. Protect the medication from light while it is out of the refrigerator. Throw away
any pegfilgrastim that has been left out at room temperature for longer than 48 hours.
What happens if I miss a dose of pegfilgrastim?
Contact your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of pegfilgrastim.
Where can I get more information about pegfilgrastim?
Your pharmacist has information about pegfilgrastim written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of pegfilgrastim?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; wheezing, difficulty breathing; dizziness, fast pulse; sweating;
swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using pegfilgrastim and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious
side effects:
-
sudden or severe pain in your left upper stomach spreading up to
your shoulder;
-
rapid breathing or feeling short of breath;
-
any sign of infection such as fever, chills, body aches, flu
symptoms, diarrhea, skin rash, or redness or swelling of a skin wound;
-
swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
-
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips; or
-
redness, swelling, bruising, itching, or a hard lump where
the medicine was injected.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
muscle, joint, or bone pain;
-
temporary hair loss;
-
nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite;
-
changes in your sense of taste;
-
weakness, dizziness;
-
headache; or
-
sleep problems (insomnia).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about pegfilgrastim?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to pegfilgrastim, filgrastim
(Neupogen), or to other medicines made with the E. coli bacteria.
Before using pegfilgrastim, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have
sickle cell disorder or are taking lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid).
Pegfilgrastim is usually given 24 hours after you receive a chemotherapy treatment.
Pegfilgrastim should not be given within the 14 days leading up to your chemotherapy treatment,
or within the 24 hours immediately following chemotherapy. Follow your doctor's instructions.
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, rapid breathing or feeling short of
breath, or any sign of infection such as fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, diarrhea, skin
rash, redness or swelling of a skin wound, or white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your
lips.
What should I avoid while taking pegfilgrastim?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity
while you are using pegfilgrastim.
Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact
your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
What other drugs will affect pegfilgrastim?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you also use lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid,
and others).
There may be other drugs that can interact with pegfilgrastim. Tell your doctor about all
your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and
drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of pegfilgrastim?