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In this Article

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using pegfilgrastim (Neulasta)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to pegfilgrastim, filgrastim (Neupogen), or to other medicines made with the E. coli bacteria.

Before using pegfilgrastim, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have sickle cell disorder. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use pegfilgrastim.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether pegfilgrastim passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use pegfilgrastim (Neulasta)?

Pegfilgrastim is given as an injection under the skin. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Pegfilgrastim comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Pegfilgrastim is usually given 24 hours after you receive a chemotherapy treatment. Pegfilgrastim should not be given within the 14 days leading up to your chemotherapy treatment, or within the 24 hours immediately following chemotherapy. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not shake the medication in its prefilled syringe. Vigorous shaking can ruin the medicine. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

A pegfilgrastim prefilled syringe is for one use only. Throw the syringe away after using, even if there is still some medicine left inside. Do not use pegfilgrastim if the expiration date on the label has passed. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

To be sure pegfilgrastim is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store this medication in the refrigerator and protect it from light. Do not allow the medication to freeze. If it is accidentally frozen, it can be thawed in the refrigerator and used at a later time. If the medicine freezes a second time, do not use it at all.

You may allow the medication to reach room temperature for 48 hours before giving the injection. Protect the medication from light while it is out of the refrigerator. Throw away any pegfilgrastim that has been left out at room temperature for longer than 48 hours.