Pegfilgrastim



Neulasta™







Pegfilgrastim

(peg fil GRA stim)

U.S. Brand Names
Neulasta™
Pharmacologic Category
Colony Stimulating Factor
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to pegfilgrastim 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 are taking chemotherapy and radiation treatments at the same time.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat 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.
  • 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?
  • 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.
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 immediately or dial 911.
  • 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.
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).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: