filgrastim

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

Before using filgrastim, tell your doctor if you have sickle cell disorder, a blood cell disorder, chronic myeloid leukemia, myelodysplasia (also called "preleukemia"), or if you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.

Filgrastim is usually given daily for up to 2 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions. For best results, use this medication at the same time each day.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with filgrastim. Your liver function will also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

Do not this medication if you are allergic to filgrastim or to other medicines that contain the E. coli bacteria.

Before using filgrastim, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• sickle cell disorder;
• a blood cell disorder;
• chronic myeloid leukemia;
• myelodysplasia (also called "preleukemia"); or
• if you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use filgrastim.

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 filgrastim 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 filgrastim?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Filgrastim is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use 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 needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.

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

Filgrastim should not be given within the 24-hour period before or after you receive chemotherapy.

Filgrastim is usually given daily for up to 2 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions. For best results, use this medication at the same time each day.

Do not shake the medication vial (bottle) or prefilled syringe. Vigorous shaking can ruin the medicine. Do not draw your filgrastim dose into a syringe until you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Use a different place on your arms, stomach, hips, or legs each time you give yourself an injection. Your care provider will show you the places on your body where you can safely inject the medication. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

A filgrastim vial or prefilled syringe is for one use only. Throw the bottle or syringe away after using, even if there is still some medicine left inside. Do not use filgrastim 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 this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with filgrastim. Your liver function will also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store this medication in the refrigerator and do not allow it to freeze. You may allow the medication to reach room temperature for 24 hours before measuring your dose in a syringe. Then place the vial back in the refrigerator. Throw away any filgrastim that has been left out at room temperature for longer than 24 hours.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember, but not within the 24-hour period before or after you receive chemotherapy treatment. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a filgrastim overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while using filgrastim?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using filgrastim.

Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

What are the possible side effects of filgrastim?

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.

Stop using filgrastim and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• sudden or severe pain in your left upper stomach spreading up to your shoulder;
• rapid breathing or feeling short of breath;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• bone pain;
• muscle aches;
• hair loss;
• headache, tired feeling;
• mild skin rash; or
• itching, swelling, or redness where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect filgrastim?

Before using filgrastim, tell your doctor if you are also using lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithane, and others). You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use filgrastim.

There may be other drugs that can interact with filgrastim. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about filgrastim.