Filgrastim: how to take it safely
Neupogen, Zarzio, Granulokine
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Raises white blood cells after chemotherapy or in neutropenia, and reduces the risk of infection.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Inject under the skin, or it is given by drip, as your health worker showed you. Change the spot each time.
- Keep it in the fridge.
When to take it
Inject once a day, starting 24 hours after chemotherapy, until your counts recover.
Take it with
Not applicable.
What to avoid
- Injecting it within 24 hours before or after chemotherapy, unless your team said so.
- Tell your team if you have sickle cell disease.
Possible side effects
Bone pain, headache, muscle aches, pain at the injection site.
Get help if
Pain in the upper left side of the belly or the tip of the shoulder, trouble breathing, fever, or a rash with swelling: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.