Uses of undefined

Pegfilgrastim is a prescription medication used to decrease the chance of infection caused by low levels of white blood cells in patients with certain types of cancer (non-myeloid) receiving anti-cancer drugs that suppress bone marrow activity. It is also indicated to increase the survival rate in patients receiving radiation therapy that suppresses bone marrow activity.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Pegfilgrastim is available as a pre-filled injection, vial for injection, and on-body injector. The medicine will be administered in the fatty tissues just under your skin (subcutaneously) by a qualified healthcare professional in a hospital setting. The dose and frequency of administration will be decided by your doctor based on your disease condition and other factors. 

If your physician decides that Pegfilgrastim can be administered at home by you or your caregiver, then read the “Instructions for use” carefully from the package insert that comes with the medicine. Your doctor or other healthcare professionals will train you on self-administration. Do not administer the medicine if you have not been trained and are not sure about the administration procedure.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

This medication tends to cause severe allergic reactions. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Pegfilgrastim, filgrastim, or any other ingredient in it. Pegfilgrastim may cause spleen problems and acute respiratory distress. It is important to report symptoms of left persistent upper abdominal pain, cough, fever, and difficulty in breathing to your physician. This medication may cause liver, lung, and kidney problems it is advisable to take regular laboratory tests to assess the effectiveness and safety of this medication.

Precautions

Inform your physician if you have or ever had liver disease, fever or infection, kidney problems, heart problems, or a family history of heart disease before starting the treatment with this medicine. Inform your physician about all the prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products that you are currently taking or have taken before. Certain medicines tend to interact with Pegfilgrastim and can cause potential side effects. Pregnant women should not take this medicine. Inform your physician if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is unsafe to travel, drive vehicles, or operate heavy machinery after taking (1 hour)  this injection.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Pegfilgrastim are pain in the bones, joints, and muscles, pain at the site of injection, itchiness, skin rash, nausea, headaches, dizziness, and feeling tired. Side effects include inflammation of the aorta, capillary leak syndrome (plasma leaks out of tiny blood vessels), hypersensitivity reactions, changes in urine color, swelling in hands, feet, face, and abdomen, difficulty in breathing, and sickle cell anemia.

Word Of Advice

Store Pegfilgrastim in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Do not freeze. Do not shake the pre-filled syringe because it may affect its quality. Discard the medicine if it has been stored at room temperature for more than 48 hours. Keep it out of reach from children and pets. It is important to get the dose at the scheduled time. If you missed the schedule, contact your doctor immediately for advice.  It is a dose-based injection and should not be administered in patients weighing less than 45kg from a pre-filled syringe. Read the package insert carefully if you are self-administering the medicine.

Frequently Asked Question

• What is the difference between Pegfilgrastim pre-filled syringe and on-body injector?
• The on-body injector is a small, lightweight delivery system applied to the skin during your chemo appointment. It is automatically designed to inject the dose under your skin (subcutaneously) whereas the pre-filled syringe contains the Pegfilgrastim medicine, and it should be injected by your healthcare provider or you manually.

• What are the symptoms that I should notify the physician when taking Pegfilgrastim?
• Inform your physician if you are experiencing any symptoms of swelling in the face, feet, hands, and abdomen, difficulty in breathing, sudden drop in blood pressure, left abdominal pain, weakness, and skin rashes.

• What is the Pegfilgrastim package insert?
• The FDA provides a package insert, which summarizes the relevant scientific information needed for healthcare practitioners and patients to use the drug safely and effectively. The package insert contains safety information, instruction for use, and other information.

• Who should not take Pegfilgrastim?
• Pegfilgrastim is not indicated for everyone. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to pegfilgrastim. Filgrastim or any of the other ingredients in this medicine.

• Will Pegfilgrastim affect my kidneys?
• This medicine may affect your kidneys. Regular kidney function tests will be taken to monitor your kidney functions. Inform your physician if you have any kidney problems.

• Can I breastfeed while taking Pegfilgrastim?
• No, This medicine secretes in small amounts in breast milk. Pegfilgrastim can cause harm to your baby. Please consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.