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Colony Stimulating Factors (CSFs) G-CSF, Filgrastim (fill-GRA-stim) (Neupogen®) GM-CSF, Sargramostim (sar-GRAM-oh-stim) (Leukine®) PEG-G-CSF, Pegfilgrastim (peg-fil-GRA-stim) (Neulasta®) Biosimilars (Fulphila, Nivestym, Nyvepria, Udencya) What is this medication used for?
Colony stimulating factors help speed up the growth of a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow. These white blood cells, called neutrophils, help fight infections. When the neutrophil count is low, the risk of infection increases. After chemotherapy, some of the above medicines may be given every day to help increase the neutrophil count as quickly as possible.
What does it look like? • Liquid How is it given? • Injection into the fat or skin (injection under the skin is preferred in some institutions)
What are the rare side effects? • Damage to the spleen, which can lead to pain and loss of blood in the abdomen and may be life threatening • Allergic reactions, including shortness of breath, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, or facial swelling (this is very rare and is associated mainly with IV administration) Special instructions: • Some additional medications may be prescribed for bone pain. • This medicine must be kept in the refrigerator but not frozen. • Do not shake the medicine vial. • In utero exposure may cause fetal harm.
• Into the vein (IV) or venous access device What are the common side effects? • Aches and pain in the bones or muscles • Pain at the injection site What are the less common side effects? • Low-grade fever • Rash • Headache • Higher than normal white blood cell count
Notes from Your Healthcare Team
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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