Sargramostim



LeukineŽ







Sargramostim

(sar GRAM oh stim)

U.S. Brand Names
LeukineŽ
Canadian Brand Names
LeukineŽ
Pharmacologic Category
Colony Stimulating Factor
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • Do not give this medicine to a newborn.
  • If you have an allergy to sargramostim 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.
  • This medicine is used to treat low white blood cell counts.
How does it work?
  • Sargramostim 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.
  • This medicine is given into a vein constantly for a period of time.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Call your healthcare provider for an appointment.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have lung disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have a weakened heart, 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?
  • Diarrhea.
  • Irritation where the shot is given.
  • Hair loss. Hair usually grows back when medicine is stopped.
  • Swelling of hands or feet.
  • Bone pain. You may be given medicine before this shot to prevent these symptoms.
  • Aches and pains. Mild pain medicine may help.
  • Low blood pressure, fast heartbeat, flushing, and passing out may rarely occur with the first dose.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work (white blood cells) regularly. 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.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Swelling of legs or belly.
  • Significant weight gain.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
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: