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Filgrastim, G-CSF (Neupogen®)

Generic Name

Filgrastim, G-CSF
 

Drug Name

Neupogen®
 

Purpose

Many chemotherapy drugs can lower your white blood cell count.  A low white blood cell count makes it hard for your body to fight infections. Filgrastim helps to increase your white blood cell count. Filgrastim is not chemotherapy.  It does not treat cancer.
 

How is the drug given?

  • Injection (shot) under the skin by a nurse. A nurse can also teach you or your caregiver to give yourself this injection.
  • In very special circumstances, it may be given intravenously (IV) into a vein by a nurse at the hospital or Cancer Center.
     

Possible Side Effects

  • Pain or discomfort at injection (shot) site.
  • Fever and chills.
  • Mild to moderate bone pain. Tell your healthcare provider if you have this. Medications are available to help with this pain.
  • Headache.
     

Important Things to Remember
  • Talk about contraception (birth control) and/or family planning with your healthcare provider while taking filgrastim.
  • Do Not breastfeed while taking filgrastim.
  • Do Not take filgrastim 24 hours before starting chemotherapy.
  • Your doctor’s office will check your blood counts regularly and tell you when you can stop taking filgrastim.
  • You may not be able to take filgrastim while you are getting radiation therapy. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are receiving radiation therapy.
  • Do Not take filgrastim if you had an allergic reaction to filgrastim or pegfilgrastim in the past.
  • Keep this medicine in the refrigerator. Do Not put the medicine in the freezer.
  • Make sure the medicine is clear and colorless before you give yourself the injection (shot).
  • Do Not shake the medicine.

 

 

© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.