Neupogen (Filgrastim, Leukine, Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), Sargramostim, Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF))

Class of Drugs: Antineutropenic/Hematopoietic stimulant

Manufacturer:
Amgen - Filgrastim - Neupogen - G-CSF
Immunex - Sargramostim - Leukine - GM-CSF (not commercially available in Canada)

Information on Patient Assistance program:
Amgen - Amgen SAFETY NET® Program for NEUPOGEN, (800) 272-9376
Immunex Corporation - Patient Assistance Program - (800) 334-6273 - Contact: Gregg Bayles

Description: Neopogen is a sterile‚ clear‚ colorless‚ preservative-free liquid administered by injection.

Ingredient: Filgrastim - Sargramostim

Use: Hematopoietic stimulants have been shown to be safe and effective in accelerating the recovery of neutrophil counts following chemotherapy.

Warnings:
Filgrastim should be administered no earlier than 24 hours after the administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy and should not be administered in the period 24 hours before the administration of chemotherapy.

Filgrastim is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug, E coli-derived proteins or any component of the product.

There is a chance that conditions caused by inflammation or immune system problems may be worsened by colony stimulating factor. Tell your doctor if you have:
Heart disease--Risk of some unwanted effects (heart rhythm problems, retaining water) may be increased
Kidney or Liver disease--May be worsened by colony stimulating factor
Lung disease--Colony stimulating factor may cause shortness of breath

Side Effects:
You may experience bone pain of mild-to-moderate severity. This can usually be controlled by non-narcotic analgesics.
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of colony stimulating factors. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

For filgrastim

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any redness or pain at the site of the injection, if you develop a fever, rapid or irregular heartbeat, sores on skin or wheezing.

For sargramostim

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any weakness, redness or pain at the site of the injection, if you develop chest pain, a fever, rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath or wheezing, sores on your skin, swollen feet or lower legs, or any sudden weight gain. let your doctor know if you feel dizziness or faintness or flushing of your face after the first dose of medicine.

For both filgrastim and sargramostim

Check with your doctor if you notice any headache, pain in arms or legs, pain in joints or muscles, pain in lower back or pelvis, skin rash or itching.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

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This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice. All treatment decisions should be made with your team of medical professionals and prescriptions must be given by your doctor. See TERMS AND CONDITIONS.