Filgrastim

Molecule Description

Filgrastim is a ‘growth factor’ used to prevent infections and fever due to dec

reased white blood cells as a result of cancer treatment. It belongs to a class of medicines called G-‘CSF’ or Granulocyte- ‘Colony Stimulating Factors.’

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Filgrastim

Stimulate the production of a type of white blood cells (granulocytes)
Granulocytes are one of the kinds of white blood cells and constitute neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils. The main function of all these granulocytes is to fight infections
The primary purpose of Filgastrim is to increase the numbers of cells that fight infections because cancer medicines are powerful and kill the blood cells along with cancer cells
To mobilize stem cells in patients undergoing bone marrow transplants (peripheral blood stem cell mobilization). Stem cells are a kind of mother cells produced in the bone marrow from which all blood ...
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Filgrastim can be used to mobilize these stem cells from bone marrow into the blood then collected, stored and later used for bone marrow transplantation (in disease and cancers that destroy bone marr...
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To prevent the risk of infections in certain immune compromised patients e.g., HIV patients
Filgrastim is not a medicine to treat any particular type of cancer

Contraindications of Filgrastim

When should one not use Filgrastim

If you have allergy to Filgrastim or any of the components of the medicine.

Side effects of Filgrastim

Common side effects of this drug are:

Feeling sick (nausea), vomiting, headache
Fever, fatigue, hair loss
Swelling and soreness of the lining of the digestive tract anywhere between the mouth and the anus
Low red blood cells and thrombocytes
Infections of the nose, throat, lung and urinary tract, feeling dizzy, sleeping problems, decreased sensation, tingling and numbness of hands and feet, low or high blood pressure, cough and coughing b...
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Skin rashes and mouth ulcers and stomach (due to rejection of transplanted bone marrow, a condition known as graft versus host disease), high uric acid levels, allergic reactions, bone loss or thinnin...
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Severe allergic reaction like- fever, chills, rash, hives, breathing difficulty, swelling over your face, lips, throat, with or without itching, rashes, skin peeling; cough fever and difficulty in bre...
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Precautions and Warnings of Filgrastim

Pregnancy

Can I take Filgrastim during pregnancy?

Though there are no adequate studies done on Filgrastim, this medicine has the potential to harm the baby and should not be given in pregnant women.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Filgrastim while breastfeeding?

It is unknown if Filgrastim is secreted in breast milk. It should be used in breastfeeding mothers only if necessary and cannot be replaced.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Filgrastim?

Filgrastim has little or no effect on your ability to drive. It can cause occasional dizziness and caution is recommended.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Filgrastim?

Alcohol lowers immunity and increases the risk of infections. As cancer patients are at increased risk for infections and Filgrastim is used to prevent infections, consumption of alcohol is not advised.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have sickle cell anemia (a genetic disorder causing death of red blood cells)
You have bone loss or thinning (osteoporosis)
You have unusual bleeding or bruising
You have sudden allergy, rashes or breathing problems, swelling of face and feet and blood in the urine (signs of kidney damage)

Mode of Action of Filgrastim

How Does It Work?

Filgrastim works on the bone marrow, which is the center for producing all types of blood cells. This medicine stimulates the production of white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, which are essen...

Interactions of Filgrastim

Interactions with other medicines

Filgrastim should not be used up to 24 hours before or after taking cancer treatment (medicines or radiation).

Interactions with food items

Filgastrim can be taken with or without food but preferably on an empty stomach.

Dietary Restrictions of Filgrastim

Drink plenty of water.

Dosage of Filgrastim

Overdose

Overdose may cause breathing trouble, dizziness or stomach problems. Contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Missed a Dose

Contact your doctor if you missed a dose and take his advice on when to take the next dose. Do not double the dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Ravi Kakarla

MBBS, MBA

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is there anything else I need to know before taking Filgrastim?

Dosage of Filgrastim depends on factors such as height, weight, general health and other problems. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Do not self-medicate or self-adjust the dose
There may be many side effects with Filgrastim because the patient already has cancer and is undergoing treatment. But do not worry, as most of these effects can be managed and disappear once you stop...
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Filgrastim should be stored in a refrigerator and taken out 30 minutes before administration. Do not use the medicine if it is kept out of a refrigerator for more than 15 days
Filgrastim is given as an injection below your skin (subcutaneous) or as slow drip through your veins (intravenous drip)
Keep in mind that this medicine may interfere with some lab tests (like bone imaging tests) and give false test results

Q: Does Filgrastim cure cancer?

Filgrastim does not cure any cancer. It is a supportive treatment in cancer patients which help to fight infections due to the treatment
It will allow you to continue and complete the full course of cancer treatment and increases your chances of cure
Filgrastim is a substitute for the naturally occurring substance in our body called ‘Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor,’ which increases the production of white blood cells. This growth factor is ...
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References

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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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Disclaimer

The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.