Filgrastim

This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Granix; Neupogen; Nivestym; Releuko; Zarxio

Brand Names: Canada

Grastofil; Neupogen; Nivestym; Nypozi

What is this drug used for?

  • It is used to lower the chance of getting an infection in people with bone marrow problems caused by chemo.
  • It is used to raise the number of white blood cells in certain patients.
  • It is used in patients who have been exposed to certain doses of radiation.
  • It may be given to your child for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

  • If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.

If your child is breast-feeding a baby:

  • Your child may need to avoid breast-feeding a baby.

This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

  • Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • If your child has a latex allergy, talk with the doctor. Some products have latex.
  • Do not give this drug to your child at the same time or within 24 hours before or after chemo or radiation treatment. If you have questions, talk with your child’s doctor.
  • Have your child’s blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by the doctor.
  • This drug may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your child’s health care providers and lab workers that your child takes this drug.
  • Some people with sickle cell disease have had times where the sickle cell disease has gotten worse when taking this drug. Sometimes, this has been deadly. Talk with the doctor.

If your child is pregnant:

  • Tell the doctor if your child is pregnant or becomes pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of your child using this drug while pregnant.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
  • Signs of lung or breathing problems like shortness of breath or other trouble breathing, cough, or fever.
  • Dark urine.
  • A fast heartbeat.
  • Dizziness or passing out.
  • Sweating a lot.
  • Fast breathing.
  • Coughing up blood.
  • Purple spots or redness of the skin.
  • Swelling.
  • Numbness or tingling.
  • Low platelet counts have rarely happened with this drug. This may lead to a higher chance of bleeding. Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
  • Enlarged and ruptured spleens have happened with this drug. Sometimes, ruptured spleens have been deadly. Call the doctor right away if your child has left upper stomach pain or left shoulder pain.
  • Swelling of the main blood vessel that comes out of the heart (aorta) has happened with this drug. Call your child’s doctor right away if your child feels very tired or weak. Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has fever, stomach pain, or back pain.
  • A bone marrow problem called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and a type of leukemia have happened with this drug in people who were born with low white blood cell counts. This has also happened in people with breast or lung cancer who are getting chemo or radiation. Call the doctor right away if your child has a fever, feels very tired, or has unexplained bruising or bleeding.
  • Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) is a very bad health problem that has happened with this drug. Sometimes, CLS can be deadly. Tell your child’s doctor right away if your child gets signs of CLS like change in how much urine is passed; not able to pass urine; blood in the urine; a fast or abnormal heartbeat; chest pain or pressure; dizziness or passing out; shortness of breath; a big weight gain; swelling; throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds; or if your child has black, tarry, or bloody stools.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

  • Bone, joint, or muscle pain.
  • Pain in arms or legs.
  • Headache.
  • Diarrhea, upset stomach, or throwing up.
  • Feeling tired or weak.
  • Hair loss.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All products:

  • It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin in the upper arm, thigh, buttocks, or stomach area.
  • Some products may be given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time. Talk with the doctor if you have questions.
  • Keep giving this drug to your child as you have been told by your child’s doctor or other health care provider, even if your child feels well.
  • If you will be giving your child the shot, your child’s doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
  • Before using this drug, take it out of the refrigerator and leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
  • Do not use if solution changes color.
  • Do not shake the solution.
  • Wash your hands before and after you give the shot.
  • Do not give into skin that is irritated, tender, bruised, red, scaly, hard, scarred, or has stretch marks.
  • Do not give into skin within 2 inches (5 cm) of the belly button.
  • Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
  • Each prefilled syringe or vial is for one use only. Throw away any part left over after the dose is given.
  • Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
  • If you get this drug on the skin, wash it off right away with soap and water.
  • If you get this drug in the eyes, flush right away with cool water and get medical help.

Prefilled syringes:

  • Do not use this drug if it has been dropped or if it is broken.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

  • Call your child’s doctor to find out what to do.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All products:

  • Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
  • Store in the original container to protect from light.
  • If needed, this drug can be left out at room temperature for some time. Be sure you know how long you can leave this drug at room temperature before you need to throw it away.
  • Some products may be put back in the refrigerator after being stored at room temperature. If you are not sure, talk with the pharmacist.
  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Neupogen, Grastofil, Nivestym, and Zarxio:

  • If this drug freezes, let it thaw in the refrigerator before use.
  • Do not use if this drug has been frozen more than 1 time.

General drug facts

  • If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
  • Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2024-02-16

Copyright

© 2024 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

Last Updated

Monday, December 12, 2022