Pegfilgrastim
The following information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as a medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Pegfilgrastim
(peg fil GRA stim)

U.S. Brand Names
Neulasta®

Canadian Brand Names
Neulasta®

Pharmacologic Category
Colony Stimulating Factor

Reasons not to take this medicine
• If you have an allergy to pegfilgrastim, 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 reduce the chance of infection in cancer patients who have had severe bone marrow problems caused by chemotherapy.

How does it work?
• Pegfilgrastim 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.

• 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?
• If you have sickle cell disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• If you weigh less than 99 pounds (45 kilograms), talk with healthcare provider.

• 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.

• Swelling.

• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

• Severe allergic reactions can rarely occur.

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

• Check blood work (white blood cells). 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.

• May store at room temperature for 2 days.

• Protect from light.

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 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

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

Created: 2006-10-13 14:52:54.0

Modified: 2009-02-19 12:46:47.0

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