Information about Neupogen (Filgrastim)
Neupogen is a brand name for Filgrastim, a medication used to stimulate the production of white blood cells (specifically neutrophils) in the bone marrow. Filgrastim is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring protein (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, or G-CSF) that helps the body fight infections, particularly in individuals whose white blood cell count is low due to medical conditions or treatments like chemotherapy.
Product Highlights
- Neupogen is primarily prescribed for the following conditions:
- It helps in the recovery of neutrophils after chemotherapy, which often lowers the immune system's ability to fight infections.
- Used to treat congenital, cyclic, or idiopathic neutropenia, conditions that result in an abnormally low white blood cell count.
- To accelerate neutrophil recovery following autologous or allogeneic bone marrow transplants.
- To stimulate white blood cell production in patients with severe aplastic anemia.
- For those who experience neutropenia as a result of HIV infection.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- By stimulating the production of neutrophils, Filgrastim helps reduce the risk of infection in patients with low white blood cell counts, especially those undergoing chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation.
- Filgrastim aids in quicker recovery of neutrophil counts after treatments that suppress bone marrow activity, such as chemotherapy.
- For patients with chronic neutropenia or bone marrow failure, it improves quality of life by preventing serious infections.
- It can reduce the need for hospitalization due to infections related to neutropenia.
Direction of Use
- Neupogen is given as an injection either subcutaneously (under the skin) or intravenously (into the vein) depending on the patient’s condition and the healthcare provider’s recommendation.
- The typical regimen may vary based on the medical condition being treated. For chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, it may be given daily or as directed.
- Rotate the injection sites to prevent irritation or infection at the injection site.
Safety Concerns
- Filgrastim can cause allergic reactions, including rash, difficulty breathing, and swelling. In rare cases, severe reactions like anaphylaxis may occur.
- A common side effect of Neupogen is bone pain, which results from the rapid production of white blood cells in the bone marrow.
- Long-term use of Filgrastim may result in an enlarged spleen, increasing the risk of spleen rupture.
- Monitoring is required as the medication can excessively increase white blood cell counts, which may be problematic in some cases.
- This condition may increase the risk of leukemia or related disorders if prolonged at high levels.
- Special caution is required in individuals with certain underlying conditions, such as sickle cell disease, as Neupogen may exacerbate complications in some rare cases.
Avoid Neupogen (Filgrastim) If
- If you are allergic to Filgrastim or any of its components (e.g., the protein or other excipients), you should not use this medication.
- If you experience severe or intolerable bone pain when using Filgrastim, consult your doctor as it may indicate the need for adjustment or discontinuation.
- Patients with sickle cell disease or other blood disorders should use Neupogen cautiously and under strict medical supervision.
- If you have leukemia or other blood cancers, Filgrastim should be avoided unless specifically prescribed by your healthcare provider, as it may potentially stimulate the growth of malignant cells.
- Neupogen should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if absolutely necessary and under the guidance of a doctor. There is insufficient data regarding its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
This product requires special packaging to maintain its integrity during the shipping process. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICATION if the attached temperature indicator shows that the medication was exposed to temperatures below 2 degrees or above 8 degrees Celsius, and contact the pharmacy immediately.
