Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) belongs to the family of medications known as granulocyte colony stimulating factors (G-CSF). Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) helps the bone marrow produce white blood cells which help the body fight infection.

Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) is used to treat neutropenia (low counts of a certain type of white blood cell known as neutrophils) for people who have certain types of cancer and are receiving a type of chemotherapy that slows down white blood cell production.

Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended adult dose of Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) is 6 mg given by subcutaneous (under the skin) injection after each cycle of chemotherapy. Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) should not be given less than 14 days before chemotherapy and not until 24 hours after chemotherapy.

Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) is usually given under medical supervision. If you are giving Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) to yourself, your doctor or health care professional will instruct you on how to use Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) properly. It is important to use Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If you miss a dose of Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim), call your doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not shake Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) vigorously. Shaking Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) damages the medication, making it less effective. Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) should be stored in the refrigerator and protected from light. Freezing should be avoided, but if the medication is accidentally frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before being given. If the medication is accidentally frozen 2 times or is left at room temperature for more than 72 hours, it should be discarded.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• bone and muscle pain
• redness, swelling, or itching at the site of injection

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• rash at the surface of the skin (purple or red spots or bumps, splotches, or Hives)
• signs of an enlarged spleen (e.g., upper left abdominal pain or pain at the tip of the shoulder)
• symptoms of kidney injury (e.g., puffiness in the face or ankles, blood in the urine or brown coloured urine, decreased frequency of urination)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (e.g., hives, shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of the face or throat, fast heart rate, dizziness)
• signs of acute respiratory distress syndrome (e.g., Fever, shortness of breath, cough, or lung congestion)
• symptoms of capillary leak syndrome (e.g., swelling or puffiness, difficulty breathing, abdominal swelling, tiredness, feeling of fullness)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim).

Each 0.6 mL single-use syringe of sterile, clear, colourless, preservative-free liquid for subcutaneous administration contains 6 mg of Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) (based on protein mass only). Nonmedicinal ingredients: polysorbate 20, sodium acetate, sorbitol, and water for injection, USP; pH: 4.0. The needle cover on the prefilled syringe contains dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex).