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Filgrastim Injection

Filgrastim is a drug which stimulates the bone marrow to produce white blood cells. White blood cells help your body to fight infections. Filgrastim is used to treat those whose ability to produce white blood cells is reduced.

What is this medication used for

Dosage and How to Use

It is a subcutaneous injection with various dosing schedule. Follow the dosage schedule accordingly and injection is preferably given at the same time for every dose.

Missed a Dose

If you miss a dose of Filgrastim, inject it as soon as you can if it is within 12 hours of the missed dose. If it is over 12 hours since your missed dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your usual dosing schedule. Do not inject twice within the same day.

Side Effects, Precautions, Contraindication

What are the side effects of Filgrastim?

Mild to moderate bone pain may occur

May be relieved by taking paracetamol

Flu-like syndrome e.g. fever, chills, headache, body aches

Usually occurs at start of treatment. Maintain hydration – drink lots of fluids – and take paracetamol if necessary

Headache

Mild skin rash may occur

More common in patients with history of sensitive skin

Pain and redness at injection site

Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Fever of 38°C or higher

Sores in the mouth and throat

Chest pain and rapid irregular heartbeat

Allergic reaction e.g. rash, itch, swelling, dizziness and breathing problem

Handling and Storage

Keep it in the refrigerator between 2-8°C. Do not freeze. Each dose of medication may be allowed to sit at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 6 hours. Discard any vials exposed to room temperature for a period longer than 6 hours.

If you have any questions, please call your pharmacist at the National Cancer Centre. The side effects listed above are those that occur frequently. Other side effects may occur. Please contact your doctor to report.

Disclaimer: The National Cancer Centre Singapore does not endorse or promote the use of any product mentioned in this booklet. The information is presented in a summary to provide an understanding and for knowledge only, and may not contain information about all aspects of care. It does not recommend self-management of health problems or replace consultation with your doctor. You should never disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment because of something you have read in this booklet.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher.

Document No. PHM-MED-PEM-089/0916