Filgrastim
About Filgrastim
Filgrastim is a prescribed medicine injected to help your body produce more white blood cells, specifically neutrophils. It is primarily used to prevent or treat low white blood cell counts, a condition that often occurs after receiving chemotherapy or bone marrow transplants. By increasing these protective cells, the medicine lowers your risk of serious infections during cancer treatments.
This injection is typically given once daily, and keeping a consistent schedule is highly important for the best results. Since it is given as an injection, it is not affected by food, so you do not need to worry about taking it with meals. To support your body during treatment, it is highly recommended to practise strict hygiene and follow a clean, fully cooked diet to avoid accidental exposure to germs.
Like many medicines, Filgrastim can cause side effects, with bone pain and joint discomfort being the most common as your bone marrow works to make new cells. While these are usually manageable, you should seek medical attention immediately if you experience severe pain in your left upper stomach or shoulder, or if you develop breathing difficulties. Always consult your doctor if you experience any persistent or unusual symptoms during your treatment.
Do not take this if you have had a severe allergic reaction to this medicine or similar proteins. Before starting therapy, tell your doctor if you have sickle cell disease, spleen problems, or kidney issues, as this treatment requires careful monitoring under these conditions.
Certain medicines, especially chemotherapy given within 24 hours of your injection, can interfere with how this treatment works. It is also important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you are caring for an elderly patient who may be more sensitive to side effects.
Uses of Filgrastim
Medicinal Benefits
Filgrastim helps stimulate the production of white blood cells, strengthening your body's ability to fight infections during treatments that suppress the immune system. By supporting healthy immune function, it helps reduce infection-related complications and allows planned treatment to continue.
- Helps Reduce the Risk of Serious Infections: By increasing the number of infection-fighting white blood cells, Filgrastim helps lower the risk of severe infections and complications associated with low white blood cell counts.
- Supports Recovery of White Blood Cell Counts: Filgrastim helps the bone marrow produce white blood cells more quickly, allowing your immune system to recover after chemotherapy or other treatments that reduce blood cell counts.
- Helps Keep Cancer Treatment on Schedule: By promoting faster recovery of white blood cell levels, Filgrastim helps reduce delays in chemotherapy, allowing you to continue your cancer treatment as planned.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations on the dosage and timing of this medication to achieve optimal results.
- Filgrastim will be administered by a healthcare professional.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Filgrastim
Like all prescription medicines, Filgrastim can cause side effects. Many of these are mild and resolve as your body adjusts to the treatment.
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Bone pain (often described as an ache in the lower back, hips, or thighs)
- Redness, swelling, or mild bruising at the injection site
- Headache, joint pain, or muscle aches
- Nausea or vomiting
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away)
- Severe pain in the left upper side of your stomach or your left shoulder (which can indicate spleen problems)
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or a rapid breathing rate
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, hives, and dizziness
- Fever, body chills, or sudden swelling in your arms or legs
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Do not shake the medicine: Shaking the syringe or vial vigorously can damage the protein, making it ineffective. Always handle it gently.
- Check the administration timing: Do not inject this medicine within 24 hours before or 24 hours after receiving your chemotherapy treatment, as this can interfere with how both therapies work.
- Rotate your injection sites: Keep track of where you inject each day to avoid skin irritation, tissue damage, or scarring.
- Inspect the solution first: Before injecting, look closely at the liquid. It should be clear and colourless; do not use if you see any floating particles or discolouration.
- Never reuse needles or syringes: Use a brand-new syringe for every single injection, and discard it immediately after a single use into a designated sharps container.
Drug Interactions
- Chemotherapy medications: Injecting this medicine too close to chemotherapy doses (within 24 hours before or after) may interfere with the production of new white blood cells.
- Lithium: Taking lithium alongside this treatment can cause your body to release even more white blood cells. This combination requires close monitoring by your doctor.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption while taking Filgrastim. It could lead to increased dizziness and drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is not known whether this Filgrastim will harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Filgrastim passes over into the breast milk. Please inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking Filgrastim.
Driving
cautionFilgrastim may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and tiredness; do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Liver
cautionIf you have liver problems, inform your doctor before receiving Filgrastim. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition or prescribe a suitable alternative.
Kidney
cautionFilgrastim should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Dose adjustments may be necessary. In some case, Filgrastim cause kidney injury. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience puffiness in your face or ankles, blood in your urine, or brown-coloured urine, or you notice you urinate less than usual.
Children
safe if prescribedFilgrastim is used to treat children who are receiving chemotherapy or who suffer from severe low white blood cell count (neutropenia). The doctor will decide the dose of Filgrastim based on the age, body weight and condition of your child.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
To help support your immune system and protect your health while using Filgrastim, consider the following evidence-based tips:
- Follow a neutropenic-safe diet: Avoid raw or undercooked meats, seafood, and eggs. Thoroughly wash all fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoid unpasteurised dairy and juices to minimise infection risks.
- Practise meticulous hand hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, especially before meals, after using the restroom, and after being in public spaces.
- Avoid crowded places: Stay away from large crowds and individuals who are actively sick, coughing, or showing signs of a cold or flu.
- Maintain gentle dental care: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent bleeding gums, which can be an entry point for bacteria.
Special Advise
Constantly monitors the number of blood cells in your blood, and your bone density level while you are receiving treatment with Filgrastim.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Neutropenia is a condition in which the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood is decreased. White blood cells (neutrophils) protect the body from infections. Without enough neutrophils, the body can not fight off bacteria which increases the risk of many types of infections. It can be caused by diseases that damage the bone marrow like cancer chemotherapy, HIV or AIDS, infections or deficiencies in vitamins or minerals, such as vitamin B12, folate, or copper, and autoimmune diseases, including Crohn's disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Severe chronic neutropenias arise from the failure of the bone marrow to produce adequate numbers of neutrophils that circulate in the blood. It appears that patients with severe chronic neutropenias are at greater risk of developing leukaemia (blood cancer) than are other people.
FAQs
Filgrastim is used to treat neutropenia (lack of certain white blood cells) caused by cancer, bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy, bacterial infections or other conditions.
Filgrastim contains 'Filgrastim' is a growth factor that stimulates the bone marrow to produce white blood cells. These cells protect the body against infections.
If you have a history of spleen disease or an enlarged spleen, tell your doctor before starting Filgrastim. This medicine may increase the risk of splenic enlargement or, rarely, splenic rupture. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop pain in the upper left side of your abdomen or pain in your left shoulder.
If you are being treated for severe chronic neutropenia for a longer period, Filgrastim may cause blood in your urine (haematuria). Your doctor may regularly test your urine if you experience this side effect or if a protein is found in your urine (proteinuria).
If you have asthma or a history of allergic conditions, inform your doctor before using Filgrastim. Although uncommon, Filgrastim may cause serious allergic reactions, including wheezing, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop these symptoms.
If you have heart disease, tell your doctor before starting Filgrastim. Your doctor will decide whether this medicine is suitable for you and monitor you if necessary. Rarely, Filgrastim has been associated with inflammation of the aorta (aortitis). Contact your doctor immediately if you develop unexplained fever, abdominal pain, back pain, or persistent tiredness during treatment.
Yes, Filgrastim may interfere with certain lab tests such as bone imaging and blood tests (elevation in lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphate), possibly causing false test results. Make sure your doctor and laboratory staff know you use Filgrastim.
Filgrastim is generally safe when used as prescribed by your doctor. However, like all medications, it can cause side effects, some of which may be serious. Common side effects are usually mild and temporary. Still, following your doctor's instructions and attending regular check-ups to monitor your health is essential. If you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms, contact your doctor promptly. Additionally, inform your doctor about your medical history, allergies, and other medications to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. You can minimize potential risks and ensure safe treatment by using Filgrastim as directed and under medical supervision.
There is no clear evidence that Filgrastim causes cancer. Sharing your medical history and risk factors with your doctor is crucial. They'll explain the benefits and potential risks of taking Filgrastim, including any long-term effects. If you have concerns about cancer or other health issues, consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Filgrastim is used to treat children receiving chemotherapy or suffering from severe low white blood cell count (neutropenia). The doctor will decide the dose of Filgrastim based on your child's age, body weight and condition. Follow your doctor's directions to achieve better results.
Filgrastim should be used with caution if you have kidney disease. It may increase the risk of kidney problems, so your doctor will monitor you closely. They may adjust your dose or watch for signs of kidney issues. If you have kidney disease, tell your doctor before taking Filgrastim, and they'll help you use it safely.
Filgrastim may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and tiredness.do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Common side effects of Filgrastim may include thrombocytopenia (low platelets level), anaemia (low red blood cell), headache, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, alopecia (unusual hair loss), tiredness, soreness, swelling of the digestive tract, fever. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Filgrastim should only be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding if clearly needed and under a doctor's guidance. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking Filgrastim to discuss the benefits and risks and make an informed decision for you and your baby.
Yes, many patients or their caregivers can safely inject this medicine at home. Your healthcare provider will give you thorough training on how to prepare and inject the medicine properly before you do it yourself. Talk to your doctor if you feel uncomfortable or need a refresher on the technique.
Bone pain is a common side effect because the medicine stimulates the bone marrow (the soft tissue inside your bones) to rapidly produce new white blood cells. This increased cell production can create temporary pressure and aching. Talk to your doctor about safe over-the-counter pain relievers you can take.
Yes, you can travel with this medicine, but you must keep it cool. Carry it in an insulated travel bag with a cold pack, ensuring it does not touch the ice directly to prevent freezing. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more specific travel tips regarding your medication.
If the medicine is left at room temperature, it is generally safe to use for up to 24 hours, provided it is kept away from direct light and heat. If it remains at room temperature for longer than 24 hours, do not use it and discard it safely. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure whether a syringe is still safe to use.
Chemotherapy drugs target and destroy rapidly dividing cells, which includes the new white blood cells that this medicine helps produce. Injecting them too close together can make the medicine less effective or cause severe side effects. Talk to your doctor about your specific treatment schedule.
Your doctor will schedule regular blood tests, called a complete blood count (CBC), to measure your white blood cell levels and verify that the treatment is working. You will not feel the medicine working directly, but your lab results will show the change. Talk to your doctor to review your lab numbers.
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