Filgrastin 300 mcg

How to use FilgrastimSolution

Read the PatientInformation Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using filgrastim and each time you get arefill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Depending on yourfilgrastim product, this medication is injected under the skin or into a vein. Use as directedby your doctor, usually once a day. The dosage is based on your medicalcondition, weight, lab tests, and response totreatment.

If you are using thismedication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions fromyour health care professional and theproduct package. Take the medication out of the refrigerator at least 30minutes before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature. Do notshake the medication. Before using, check this product visually for particlesor discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.

If you are injectingthis drug under the skin, first clean the injection site withrubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury underthe skin. Do not inject filgrastim into skin thatis bruised, tender, red, hard, or that has scars or stretch marks.

Learn how to store anddiscard medical supplies safely.

Use this medicationregularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, useit at the same time each day.

If you arereceiving cancer chemotherapy, you should not use thismedication within 24 hours before or 24 hours after chemotherapy. Ask your doctor for specific directions aboutwhen to use this medication.

Side Effects

Aching or pain in the bones and muscles may occur. Taking a non-aspirin pain reliever such as acetaminophen may help relieve pain. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Redness, swelling, itching, or bruising at the injection site may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bleeding/bruising, pink/bloody urine, bloody vomit, coughing up blood, fast heartbeat, fever, purple or red spots on your skin, back pain.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: breathing problems (such as trouble breathing, fast breathing, shortness of breath), unusual decrease in urination, unusual tiredness, swelling/puffiness of the body.

Precautions

Before using filgrastim, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to any filgrastim or pegfilgrastim products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as dry natural rubber/latex in the needle cover on the prefilled syringe), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, sickle cell disease, spleen problems, radiation treatment.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Filgrastim is very similar to pegfilgrastim. Do not use a pegfilgrastim product while using a filgrastim product.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as bone imaging tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.