Pegfilgrastim

Drugs used in Neutropenia · Recombinant G-CSF (Recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor)

Indications

Reduction in duration of neutropenia and incidence of febrile neutropenia in cytotoxic chemotherapy for malignancy (except chronic myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndromes).

Dosage

Adults: By SC Inj, 6 mg (0.6 mL) for each chemotherapy cycle, starting 24 hr after chemotherapy. Children: Not recommended.

Administration

Rotate injection sites among thigh, abdomen (except for 2 inches around navel), buttocks and outer, upper arms. Pegfilgrastim should not be administered in the period between 14 days before and 24 hours after administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Stability: Store refrigerated between 2°C-8°C (36°F-46°F), syringes should be kept in their carton to protect from light until time of use. Before injection, pegfilgrastim may be allowed to reach room temperature for a maximum of 48 hours, but should be protected from light. Pegfilgrastim left at room temperature for more than 48 hours should be discarded. Freezing should be avoided, however, if accidently frozen pegfilgrastim should be allowed to thaw in the refrigerator before administration. If frozen a second time, pegfilgrastim should be discarded.

Adverse Effects

Skeletal, joint and muscle pain, inj site pain, non-cardiac chest pain, headache, nausea, splenomegaly. Reversible elevated uric acid, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase. Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. Thrombocytopenia, capillary leak syndrome, glomerulonephritis.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to E. coli derived proteins, secondary acute or chronic leukaemia, myelodysplastic syndrome. Precautions: Acute leukaemia patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy, high dose chemotherapy. Discontinue if signs of adult respiratory distress syndrome. Monitor platelet count, haematocrit and for signs of splenic rupture. Sickle cell anaemia. Latex allergy.

Interactions

Antimetabolites.

Advice to Patient

If patient is self-administering this medication, exact directions for subcutaneous administration and proper storage of medication must be followed. Do not re-use needles, syringes or vials. Follow-up laboratory tests as recommended by prescriber.

Pharmacokinetics

Half-life elimination: SC: Children (100 mcg/kg dose): 0-5 yrs: 30.1 ± 38.2 hrs. 6-11 yrs: 20.2 ± 11.3 hrs. = 12 yrs: 21.2 ± 16 hrs. Adults: 15-80 hrs. Excretion: Primarily through binding to neutrophils.

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.