Understanding Neupogen (Filgrastim)

Your healthcare provider has prescribed the medication Neupogen (filgrastim) for you. Neupogen increases the number of infection-fighting cells called neutrophils in your blood following a chemotherapy treatment. It is given by injection (a shot). You may begin this treatment at least 24 hours after radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can give you information about getting the injections. This sheet will help you learn more about Neupogen and how it is given at home, or in a clinic or hospital.

What Neupogen can do for you

• Improve your quality of life.
• Make you less prone to infection.
• Make it safe for you to be in close contact with people, and as a result, you can do more.
• Prevent illness that could cause a delay in your treatment.
• Speak with your healthcare provider before taking if you or the person giving the injection has a latex allergy

How it works

• When you have a chemotherapy treatment, the number of infection-fighting cells in your blood is reduced. As the number of cells decreases, you are less able to fight infection.
• Neupogen works by helping your bone marrow make these infection-fighting blood cells rebuild faster inside of your bones.
• About 24 hours after radiation or chemotherapy, you will get your first Neupogen shot. You'll get a shot every day until your blood counts reach a certain level. Talk with your healthcare provider about this level and how long you may need to get Neupogen.

Coping with side effects

Be sure to report all side effects to your doctor. Common side effects include:

• Aching bones, joints, and muscles
• Redness, swelling or itching at the site of injection

These symptoms can often be relieved with a heating pad and/or pain medications that do not contain aspirin. Check with your doctor before you take anything for pain.

Rare side effects include:

• Headache
• Pain in the lower back or pelvis
• Skin rash or itching
• Nausea

When should I call my healthcare provider 

Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:

• Possible signs of infection such as:
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Rash
  • Sore throat
  • Diarrhea
  • Redness at the site of a wound or sore
• Pain in the left upper stomach area or left shoulder area (this could be a sign of spleen enlargement, a rare side effect of Neupogen treatment)
• Easy bruising and/or bleeding
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Dizziness
• Swelling around the mouth or eyes, quick pulse, or sweating
• Redness, swelling, or itching at the site of injection

Call 911 right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including:

• Rash
• Itching or swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing

© 2000-2019 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. Todos los derechos reservados. Esta información no pretende sustituir la atención médica profesional. Sólo su médico puede diagnosticar y tratar un problema de salud.Esta información ha sido modificada por su proveedor de atención médica con la debida autorización de los editores.