PEGFILGRASTIM - INJECTION

PEGFILGRASTIM - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (PEG-fil-GRA-stim)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Neulasta

GENERIC NAME(S): pegfilgrastim

Uses

USES: Pegfilgrastim is a man-made version of a certain natural substance made in your body. It is used to help your body make more white blood cells. White blood cells are important to help you fight off infections. Pegfilgrastim is given to people whose ability to make white blood cells is reduced (for instance, due to chemotherapy or exposure to large amounts of radiation).


How to use PEGFILGRASTIM - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using pegfilgrastim and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is given by injection under the skin as directed by your doctor. For use during chemotherapy, it is usually given once during each chemotherapy cycle. However, it should not be given within 14 days before or 1 day after chemotherapy. Ask your doctor for specific directions about when to use this medication. For use after radiation exposure, pegfilgrastim is usually given for 2 doses, one week apart. For children, the dosage may be based on their weight. If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package. Take the medication out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature. Do not shake the medication. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. First clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject pegfilgrastim into skin that is bruised, tender, red, hard, or that has scars or stretch marks. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Aching or pain in the bones and muscles may occur. Taking a non-aspirin pain reliever such as acetaminophen may help relieve pain. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Redness, swelling, itching, or bruising at the injection site may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: pink/bloody urine, fever, fast heartbeat, purple or red spots on your skin. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: breathing problems (such as trouble breathing, shortness of breath, fast breathing), unusual decrease in urination, unusual tiredness, swelling/puffiness of the body. Rarely, serious (possibly fatal) damage to the spleen may occur. Get medical help right away if you develop stomach/abdominal pain or shoulder pain. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using pegfilgrastim, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to filgrastim, filgrastim-sndz, or tbo-filgrastim; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as dry natural rubber/latex in the needle cover on the prefilled syringe), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: sickle cell disease, spleen problems. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Pegfilgrastim is very similar to filgrastim, filgrastim-sndz, and tbo-filgrastim. Do not use filgrastim, filgrastim-sndz, or tbo-filgrastim while using pegfilgrastim. This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as bone imaging tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Images

Reviews

No Reviews Yet


Faq for PEGFILGRASTIM - INJECTION

Pegfilgrastim is an injection medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as colony-stimulating factors. It is used to stimulate the production of white blood cells in the body, which helps prevent infections in patients undergoing cancer treatments.

Pegfilgrastim is given as a subcutaneous injection, usually once per chemotherapy cycle. The injection is typically given in the fatty tissue just under the skin.

The most common side effects of Pegfilgrastim include bone pain, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, and injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, or pain. Some patients may also experience fever, nausea, or vomiting.

Pegfilgrastim usually starts working within 24 to 72 hours after administration. It helps to increase the production of white blood cells, reducing the risk of infection in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

No, Pegfilgrastim should not be self-administered at home. It should be administered by a healthcare professional who is trained in giving injections.

Pegfilgrastim should be used with caution in patients with a history of allergic reactions, as it may cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about any allergies or previous reactions to medications.

Pegfilgrastim is generally covered by insurance for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, coverage may vary depending on the specific insurance plan. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to determine the extent of coverage.

Pegfilgrastim should be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C). The medication should not be frozen. If traveling, it can be kept at room temperature for a maximum of 48 hours, but should not exceed 77°F (25°C).

Pegfilgrastim is approved for use in adults and children aged 1 month and older. However, the exact dosing and administration instructions may vary depending on the age and weight of the child. It is important to follow the guidance of a healthcare professional.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.