Brand Names: Leukine

Generic Name: sargramostim (Pronunciation: sar GRA moe stim)

• What is sargramostim (Leukine)?
• What are the possible side effects of sargramostim (Leukine)?
• What is the most important information I should know about sargramostim (Leukine)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using sargramostim (Leukine)?
• How should I use sargramostim (Leukine)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Leukine)?
• What happens if I overdose (Leukine)?
• What should I avoid while using sargramostim (Leukine)?
• What other drugs will affect sargramostim (Leukine)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is sargramostim (Leukine)?

Sargramostim 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.

Sargramostim is used to increase white blood cells and help prevent serious infection in conditions such as leukemia, bone marrow transplant, and pre-chemotherapy blood cell collection. Sargramostim is for use in adults who are at least 55 years old.

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

What are the possible side effects of sargramostim (Leukine)?

Some people receiving a sargramostim injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, short of breath, or have a fast heartbeat, chest tightness, or trouble breathing during the injection.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• high fever, chills, sore throat, stuffy nose, flu symptoms;
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate;
• weakness or fainting;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• painful or difficult urination;
• dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• breathing problems; or
• problems with vision, speech, balance, or memory.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite;
• tired feeling;
• hair loss;
• weight loss;
• headache;
• mild skin rash or itching;
• bone pain;
• joint or muscle pain; or
• redness, swelling, or irritation where the injection was given.

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.

Read the Leukine (sargramostim) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about sargramostim (Leukine)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to sargramostim or to yeast. Sargramostim should not be used within 24 hours before or after you receive chemotherapy or radiation.

Before you receive sargramostim, tell your doctor if you have fluid retention (especially around your lungs), heart disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, bone marrow cancer, a seizure disorder, liver or kidney disease, or a breathing disorder such as COPD or asthma.

Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, short of breath, or have a fast heartbeat, chest tightness, or trouble breathing when you inject this medication.

Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effects such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, mouth sores, easy bruising or bleeding, and swelling or rapid weight gain.

Using sargramostim may increase your risk of developing other cancers. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.