filgrastim

What is the most important information I should know about filgrastim?

What is filgrastim?

Filgrastim is a man-made form of a protein that stimulates the growth of white blood cells in your body. White blood cells help your body fight against infection.

Filgrastim is used to treat neutropenia, a lack of certain white blood cells caused by cancer, bone marrow transplant, receiving chemotherapy, or by other conditions.

Filgrastim may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using filgrastim?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• sickle cell disorder;
• kidney disease;
• latex allergy; or
• radiation treatment.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use filgrastim?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Filgrastim is injected under the skin or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Filgrastim vials and prefilled syringes do not contain the same concentrations of this medicine. Do not give an injection unless you are trained in properly measuring your dose from either the vial or the prefilled syringe.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use filgrastim if you don't understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

You may need frequent medical tests to help your doctor determine how long to treat you with filgrastim.

Take the medicine out of the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting your dose. Do not leave the medicine at room temperature for longer than 24 hours.

Each single-use vial (bottle) or prefilled syringe is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using filgrastim?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

What are the possible side effects of filgrastim?

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;
• fever, tiredness, stomach pain, back pain;
• rapid breathing, feeling short of breath, pain while breathing;
• capillary leak syndrome --sudden dizziness or light-headed feeling, tiredness, trouble breathing, swelling or puffiness and feeling full;
• kidney problems --little or no urinating, blood in your urine, swelling in your face or ankles;
• low red blood cells (anemia) --pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or
• signs of infection --fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, unusual weakness.

Common side effects may include:

• fever, cough, trouble breathing;
• nosebleeds;
• bone pain, muscle or joint pain;
• diarrhea;
• headache;
• numbness; or
• rash, thinning hair.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect filgrastim?

If you also receive chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant: Do not use filgrastim within 24 hours before or 24 hours after you receive chemotherapy, or within 24 hours after a bone marrow transplant.

Other drugs may affect filgrastim, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about filgrastim.