Neupogen - Talk Medical

Generic Name: filgrastim

Brands: Neupogen

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

· Do not give yourself an injection if you are unsure how to inject yourself, how much to inject, or how often to inject the medication. Contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to go over the instructions with you.

· Contact your doctor if you develop a fever; chills; sore throat; congestion; diarrhea; or redness, pain, or swelling around a wound or sore while using Neupogen.

What is Neupogen?

· Neupogen is a protein that stimulates the production of white blood cells. White blood cells are important for protecting the body from infection.

· Neupogen is used to increase white blood cells, and to decrease the risk of infection, in conditions such as cancer; bone marrow transplant; pre-chemotherapy blood cell collection; and severe chronic neutropenia including congenital neutropenia, cyclic neutropenia, and idiopathic neutropenia.

· Neupogen may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

· Do not use Neupogen if you have an allergy to the bacterium E. coli. You may also be allergic to Neupogen.

· Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you ·are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy; ·have myeloid (bone marrow) cancer; ·have kidney disease; or ·have liver disease.

· You may not be able to uses Neupogen or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Neupogen is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Neupogen will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Neupogen without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· It is not known whether Neupogen will be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Neupogen?

· Use Neupogen exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Neupogen can be used subcutaneously (SC) or intravenously (IV). If you are injecting the medication at home, your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on how and where to inject your medication. Do not give yourself an injection if you are unsure how to inject yourself, how much to inject, or how often to inject the medication. Contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to go over the instructions with you.

· Try to receive the injections at the same time each day.

· It is important to use Neupogen regularly to get the most benefit.

· Rotate injection sites as directed and inject the medication slowly.

· Do not shake any vial of Neupogen. It can be gently swirled if mixing is needed. Do not use any medication that is discolored or that particles in it.

· Use each vial Neupogen for only one dose then throw away any remaining solution. Do not re-enter the vial with the same or another needle.

· The vial of medication can be allowed to reach room temperature by leaving it out of the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before injecting a dose. Do not leave the vial in direct sunlight. Neupogen can remain at room temperature for up to 24 hours. If it is unrefrigerated for longer than 24 hours, throw the vial away.

· Properly store and discard all syringes and needles.

· Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Neupogen to monitor progress and side effects.

· Store this medication in the refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit) away from light, moisture, and the reach of children. Do not allow it to freeze. If a vial of medication is accidentally frozen, it can be thawed in the refrigerator and used at a later time. If the vial is frozen a second time, do not use it at all. Discard all unused medication on the expiration date.

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of this medication by more than a few hours.

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

· Symptoms of a Neupogen overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while using Neupogen?

· There are no restrictions regarding foods, beverages, or activities during treatment with a Neupogen unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What are the possible side effects of Neupogen?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using Neupogen and seek emergency medical treatment or notify your doctor immediately: ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); ·a fever (over 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius); or ·signs of infection such as chills; sore throat; congestion; diarrhea; or redness, pain, or swelling around a wound or sore

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use Neupogen and talk to your doctor if you experience: ·bone pain; ·nausea; or ·swelling, redness, or pain at the injection site.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Neupogen?

· Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you ·are taking lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithane, others); or ·are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy.

· You may not be able to use Neupogen or you may require special monitoring if you are taking any of the medications listed above.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Neupogen. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Neupogen written for health professionals that you may read.