Pegfilgrastim: how to take it safely
Neulasta
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Raises white blood cells after chemotherapy 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 as your health worker showed you. Keep it in the fridge.
When to take it
Inject once per chemotherapy cycle, at least 24 hours after chemotherapy ends.
Take it with
Not applicable.
What to avoid
- Injecting it within 24 hours before or after chemotherapy, or within 14 days before your next cycle.
- 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.