Pegfilgrastim injection

What is this medicine?

PEGFILGRASTIM (PEG fil gra stim) is a long-acting granulocyte colony-stimulating factor that stimulates the growth of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell important in the body's fight against infection. It is used to reduce the incidence of fever and infection in patients with certain types of cancer who are receiving chemotherapy that affects the bone marrow, and to increase survival after being exposed to high doses of radiation.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give the pre-filled syringe or how to use the On-body Injector. Refer to the patient Instructions for Use for detailed instructions. Use exactly as directed. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect that the On-body Injector may not have performed as intended or if you suspect the use of the On-body Injector resulted in a missed or partial dose.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• back pain

• dizziness

• fever

• pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected

• pinpoint red spots on the skin

• red or dark-brown urine

• shortness of breath or breathing problems

• stomach or side pain, or pain at the shoulder

• swelling

• tiredness

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• bone pain

• muscle pain

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions have not been studied.

Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you miss your dose. If you miss a dose due to an On-body Injector failure or leakage, a new dose should be administered as soon as possible using a single prefilled syringe for manual use.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store it. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease

• latex allergy

• ongoing radiation therapy

• sickle cell disease

• skin reactions to acrylic adhesives (On-Body Injector only)

• an unusual or allergic reaction to pegfilgrastim, filgrastim, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

If you are going to need a MRI, CT scan, or other procedure, tell your doctor that you are using this medicine (On-Body Injector only).