Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Neulasta

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Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. The abnormal cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumor cells. Many cancers and the abnormal cells that compose the cancer tissue are further identified by the name of the tissue that the abnormal cells originated from (for example, breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer). Cancer is not confined to humans; animals and other living organisms can get cancer. Below is a schematic that shows normal cell division and how when a cell is damaged or altered without repair to its system, the cell usually dies. Also shown is what can occur when such damaged or unrepaired cells do not die and become cancer cells and proliferate with uncontrolled growth; a mass of cancer cells develop. Frequently, cancer cells can break away from this original mass of cells, travel through the blood and lymph systems, and lodge in other organs where they can again repeat the ...

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Neulasta

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Neulasta Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

PEGFILGRASTIM - INJECTION

(peg-fill-GRASS-tim)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Neulasta

USES: Pegfilgrastim is a long-acting form of the drug, filgrastim. These drugs, called colony-stimulating factors, are used to help stimulate the bone marrow to make white blood cells in patients who are not able to produce enough white blood cells on their own.

White blood cells help the body fight infections. Certain medical conditions (e.g., cancer) and/or medications (e.g., cancer chemotherapy) may reduce the body's ability to make normal white blood cells.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using pegfilgrastim and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Avoid shaking this medication; doing so may make the drug ineffective.

Remove the medication from the refrigerator 30 minutes before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature.

Inject this medication under the skin (subcutaneously) usually once during each chemotherapy cycle, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is usually one 6 milligram injection, but it may be adjusted for children or small adults (weighing less than 100 pounds or 45 kilograms).

Do not give this drug during the period 14 days before to 1 day after your chemotherapy. Giving this drug during this time may increase your risk of certain side effects. Consult your doctor for details.

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Choose a new injection site each time you give yourself a dose. This will help prevent soreness. Never inject pegfilgrastim into skin that is tender, red, bruised, and hard, or has scars or stretch marks.