Pegfilgrastim Injection
What is this medication?
PEGFILGRASTIM (PEG fil gra stim) lowers the risk of infection in people who are receiving chemotherapy. It works by helping your body make more white blood cells, which protects your body from infection. It may also be used to help people who have been exposed to high doses of radiation.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Fulphila, Fylnetra, Neulasta, Nyvepria, Stimufend, UDENYCA, UDENYCA ONBODY, Ziextenzo
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Kidney disease
- Latex allergy
- Ongoing radiation therapy
- Sickle cell disease
- Skin reactions to acrylic adhesives (On-Body Injector only)
- An unusual or allergic reaction to pegfilgrastim, filgrastim, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
This medication is for injection under the skin. If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give the pre-filled syringe or how to use the On-body Injector. Refer to the patient Instructions for Use for detailed instructions. Use exactly as directed. Tell your care team immediately if you suspect that the On-body Injector may not have performed as intended or if you suspect the use of the On-body Injector resulted in a missed or partial dose.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you miss your dose. If you miss a dose due to an On-body Injector failure or leakage, a new dose should be administered as soon as possible using a single prefilled syringe for manual use.
What may interact with this medication?
Interactions have not been studied.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.
If you are going to need a MRI, CT scan, or other procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication (On-Body Injector only).
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Capillary leak syndrome—stomach or muscle pain, unusual weakness or fatigue, feeling faint or lightheaded, decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet, trouble breathing
- High white blood cell level—fever, fatigue, trouble breathing, night sweats, change in vision, weight loss
- Inflammation of the aorta—fever, fatigue, back, chest, or stomach pain, severe headache
- Kidney injury (glomerulonephritis)—decrease in the amount of urine, red or dark brown urine, foamy or bubbly urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Spleen injury—pain in upper left stomach or shoulder
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Bone pain
- Pain in the hands or feet
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children.
If you are using this medication at home, you will be instructed on how to store it. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date on the label.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Additional Information From Chemocare.com About Pegfilgrastim
Self-Care Tips:
- If you are performing your own subcutaneous self-injections, remove the syringe from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to injection. This will reduce local stinging at the injection site.
- You may experience bone or joint pain as a result of this medication. Ask your healthcare provider if you may take a mild pain medicine to relieve this. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may help.
- Apply a warm compress if you have any pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, and notify your doctor.
- You may be at risk of infection so try to avoid crowds or people with colds, and report fever or any other signs of infection immediately to your health care provider.
- Wash your hands often.
- Avoid contact sports or activities that could cause injury.
- This medication causes little nausea. But if you should experience nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small, frequent meals. Sucking on lozenges, and chewing gum may also help.
- In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely. You should discuss this with your doctor.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Maintain good nutrition.
- If you experience symptoms or side effects, be sure to discuss them with your health care team. They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.
When to contact your doctor or health care provider:
Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever of 100.4° F (38° C), chills, sore throat (possible signs of infection)
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heart beat
- Bleeding that does not stop after a few minutes
- Any new rashes on your skin
The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not emergency situations. Contact your health care provider within 24 hours of noticing any of the following:
- Bone pain that does not go away despite taking recommended pain reliever
Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
