Filgrastim
About
Filgrastim belongs to the class of medicine called 'hematopoietic agent' used to treat neutropenia, a lack of certain white blood cells caused by cancer, bone marrow transplant, receiving chemotherapy, bacterial infections or other conditions. 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.
Filgrastim contains ' Filgrastim ' that stimulates the bone marrow (the tissue where new blood cells are made) to produce more white blood cells that help fight infection. Filgrastim is used to improve white blood cells during cancer treatment (chemotherapy), bone marrow transplantation, severe chronic neutropenia (low number of a type of white blood cells), neutropenia in patients with HIV infection, and before stem cell donation.
You are advised to take Filgrastim for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as 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.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Filgrastim for as long as your doctor has prescribed. To avoid recurring symptoms, do not stop it midway. Do not take Filgrastim if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Filgrastim should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers unless prescribed. Filgrastim should be given to children under strict medical supervision. Please tell your doctor before using Filgrastim if you have sickle cell anaemia, as Filgrastim may cause sickle cell crisis and osteoporosis (bone disease). Regular blood tests will be taken to monitor the number of white blood cells in the body. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medicines to rule out unpleasant side effects. Filgrastim is a cold chain medicine, and so it has to be stored in the refrigerator between 2-8 degrees celsius else its efficacy might get lost. Do not store in the freezer or the fridge.
Uses of Filgrastim
Medicinal Benefits
Filgrastim contains ‘Filgrastim’ is a white blood cell growth factor. It belongs to a group of proteins called cytokines and is very similar to a natural protein (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor) produced by your body. Filgrastim works by stimulating the bone marrow (the tissue where new blood cells are made) to produce more white blood cells that help fight infection. Filgrastim is used to improve white blood cells during cancer treatment (chemotherapy), bone marrow transplantation, severe chronic neutropenia (low number of a type of white blood cells), neutropenia in patients with HIV infection and before stem cell donation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Filgrastim
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelets level)
- Anaemia (low red blood cell)
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Alopecia (unusual hair loss)
- Tiredness
- Soreness and swelling of the digestive tract
- Fever
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Filgrastim if you are allergic to Filgrastim or any of its ingredients it may contain inactive ingredients (such as dry natural rubber/latex in the needle cover on the prefilled syringe), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Before starting treatment with Filgrastim, inform your doctor if you have sickle cell anaemia, osteoporosis (bone disease), kidney disease, liver disease, spleen problems, heart problems, and radiation treatment. Filgrastim can cause the spleen to become enlarged, and it could rupture (tear). Inform your doctor right away if you have sudden or severe pain in your left upper stomach spreading up to your shoulder. If you receive chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant, do not use Filgrastim within 24 hours before or 24 hours after you receive chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant. Do not take Filgrastim if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed by the doctor. Filgrastim can be given safely to children only when prescribed. Filgrastim may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Filgrastim as it could lead to increased drowsiness. Keep your doctor informed about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription, non-prescription medicines and herbal supplements.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Filgrastim may have interaction with other hematopoietic agents (pegfilgrastim), medicines used to treat cancer (altretamine, bendamustine, carboplatin, busulfan, cladribine, alemtuzumab, bevacizumab, dinutuximab, gemtuzumab, procarbazine, dacarbazine. )
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Filgrastim as it may increase dizziness and side effects.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Filgrastim may cause interactions with disease conditions such as leukocytosis (high levels of white blood cells), sepsis (a life-threatening complication of an infection), glomerulonephritis (kidney impairment), thrombocytopenia (low number of platelets in the blood), have any unusual bleeding or bruising liver dysfunction, myeloid tumours (a solid composed of immature white blood cells), sickle cell disease (red blood cells to become misshapen and break down).
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
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Eat a well-balanced and healthy diet, as it helps you to recover quickly. A dietitian will help you to create a diet plan based on your health condition.
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Avoid eating raw or undercooked food.
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Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
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Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes, and green tea.
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Limit alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
Special Advise
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Constantly monitors the number of blood cells in your blood, and your bone density level while you are receiving treatment with Filgrastim.
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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 contains 'Filgrastim' is a growth factor that stimulates the bone marrow to produce white blood cells. These cells protect the body against infections.
No, Filgrastim is not recommended to patients with spleen disorder. It may cause your spleen to become enlarged, and it could rupture. If you experience pain in the left upper stomach/abdominal area or left shoulder, contact your doctor immediately.
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).
Filgrastim should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Dose adjustments may be necessary. Filgrastim cause breathlessness (dyspnoea), tachycardia & wheeze, and even death. If you have had a history of asthma, the more possibility of these systemic allergic-like reactions. Please inform your doctor.
Filgrastim to be taken with caution, especially if you have had heart problems. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor. In some cases, Filgrastim causes inflammation of the aorta (the large blood vessel which transports blood from the heart to the body) symptoms can include fever, abdominal pain, malaise, back pain, and increased inflammatory markers. Tell your doctor if you experience those symptoms. Please inform your doctor before taking Filgrastim.
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.
