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Filgrastim - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Filgrastim

Generic Name : Filgrastim
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Filgrastim are provided here.

Pronunciation : fil-GRA-stim

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Filgrastim, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


Therapeutic Classification : Psychotherapeutics

Trade Names/Brand Names of Filgrastim

India :

International :


Neupogen

Why is Filgrastim Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication stimulates the production of white blood cells. It is prescribed for neutropenia. It is also used to decrease the incidence of infection in cancer patients who are under chemotherapy treatment or a bone marrow transplant. It may be given to cancer patients prior to chemotherapy, following which the white blood cells are collected. These are then given back into the patient after chemotherapy so that the white blood cell count comes back to normal.

When should Filgrastim not be taken? (Contraindications)

Hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Filgrastim?

Adult: SC/IV: The recommended dose is 5 to 10 mcg/kg/day for 4-7 days.

How should Filgrastim be taken?

It comes as a solution for injection, administered by a healthcare provider into the vein or under the skin.

What are the warnings and precautions for Filgrastim?

•Caution should be exercised in patients with history of blood cancer, sickle-cell disease; bone disease, withdraw treatment if there are signs of pulmonary infiltrate, fluid retention or heart failure, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• Monitor complete blood count, bone density in patients with osteoporosis (long-term treatment).

• Regular examination of structure and functions of bone-marrow cells should be done in severe congenital neutropenia.

What are the side effects of Filgrastim?

Most Common- Mild to moderate bone and muscle pain and allergic reaction.
Central Nervous System- Dizziness, fatigue and headache.
Skin- Rash, hair loss, inflammation of blood vessels in the skin, Sweet's syndrome, redness or swelling at the site of injection.
Gastrointestinal- Nausea, vomiting, mouth ulcer, constipation, loss of appetite, sore throat and diarrhea.
Respiratory- Shortness of breath, trouble breathing and wheezing.
ENT- Nosebleed.
Musculoskeletal- Decreased bone density.
Potentially Fatal- Pulmonary infiltrates leading to respiratory failure or acute respiratory distress syndrome and rupture of the spleen.

What are the other precautions for Filgrastim?

Do not stop this medication without your healthcare provider's advice.

What are the storage conditions for Filgrastim?

Injection: Refrigerate at 2-8°C. Do not freeze. Keep this medication in an airtight container, and out of reach of children.
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