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What is Neupogen
 Neupogen
is a protein that stimulates the production of white blood
cells. White blood cells are important for protecting the
body from infection.
Neupogen
is used to increase white blood cells, and to decrease the
risk of infection, in conditions such as cancer; bone marrow
transplant; pre-chemotherapy blood cell collection; and severe
chronic neutropenia including congenital neutropenia, cyclic
neutropenia, and idiopathic neutropenia.
Neupogen
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Neupogen
Do not give yourself an injection if you are unsure
how to inject yourself, how much to inject, or how often
to inject the medication. Contact your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist to go over the instructions with you.
Contact your doctor if you develop a fever; chills; sore
throat; congestion; diarrhea; or redness, pain, or swelling
around a wound or sore while using Neupogen.
What you should discuss with your doctor before using
Neupogen
Do not use Neupogen if you have an allergy to the
bacterium E. coli. You may also be allergic to Neupogen.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if
you
- are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy;
-
have myeloid (bone marrow) cancer;
- have kidney
disease; or
- have liver disease.
You may
not be able to uses Neupogen or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you
have any of the conditions listed above.
Neupogen
is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is
not known whether Neupogen will be harmful to an unborn
baby. Do not use Neupogen without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during
treatment.
It is not known whether Neupogen will
be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not use this medication
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding
a baby.
How should you use Neupogen Use Neupogen exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Neupogen
can be used subcutaneously (SC) or intravenously (IV). If
you are injecting the medication at home, your doctor, nurse,
or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on how
and where to inject your medication. Do not give yourself
an injection if you are unsure how to inject yourself, how
much to inject, or how often to inject the medication. Contact
your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to go over the instructions
with you.
Try to receive the injections at the same
time each day.
It is important to use Neupogen regularly
to get the most benefit.
Rotate injection sites as
directed and inject the medication slowly.
Do not
shake any vial of Neupogen. It can be gently swirled if
mixing is needed. Do not use any medication that is discolored
or that particles in it.
Use each vial Neupogen for
only one dose then throw away any remaining solution. Do
not re-enter the vial with the same or another needle.
The vial of medication can be allowed to reach room temperature
by leaving it out of the refrigerator for about 30 minutes
before injecting a dose. Do not leave the vial in direct
sunlight. Neupogen can remain at room temperature for up
to 24 hours. If it is unrefrigerated for longer than 24
hours, throw the vial away.
Properly store and discard
all syringes and needles.
Your doctor may want you
to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during
treatment with Neupogen to monitor progress and side effects.
Store this medication in the refrigerator between
2 and 8 degrees Celsius (36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit) away
from light, moisture, and the reach of children. Do not
allow it to freeze. If a vial of medication is accidentally
frozen, it can be thawed in the refrigerator and used at
a later time. If the vial is frozen a second time, do not
use it at all. Discard all unused medication on the expiration
date.
If you miss a dose: Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of this medication
by more than a few hours.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is
suspected.
Symptoms of a Neupogen overdose are not
known.
What should you avoid while using Neupogen There are no restrictions regarding foods, beverages,
or activities during treatment with a Neupogen unless your
doctor directs otherwise.
Possible side effects of Neupogen If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop using Neupogen and seek emergency medical
treatment or notify your doctor immediately:
- an
allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the
throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- a fever (over 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees
Celsius); or
- signs of infection such as chills;
sore throat; congestion; diarrhea; or redness, pain, or
swelling around a wound or sore
Other, less serious
side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use
Neupogen and talk to your doctor if you experience:
-
bone pain;
- nausea; or
- swelling, redness,
or pain at the injection site.
Side effects other
than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Neupogen Before using this medication, tell your doctor if
you
- are taking lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithane,
others); or
- are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy.
You may not be able to use Neupogen or you may require
special monitoring if you are taking any of the medications
listed above.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Neupogen.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals,
and herbal products. |
