Generic medicine

Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim]: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] is a long-acting, pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) used to help the bone marrow recover from the effects of certain…

Forms:SC Injection

About Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim]

Indications of Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim]

Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] is a long-acting, pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) used to help the bone marrow recover from the effects of certain cancer chemotherapy.

  • Established, FDA-approved use: To decrease the incidence of infection, as manifested by febrile neutropenia, in patients with non-myeloid malignancies who are receiving myelosuppressive anti-cancer drugs associated with a clinically significant incidence of febrile neutropenia. Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] is given once per chemotherapy cycle, not daily.
  • Established, FDA-approved use (Hematopoietic Syndrome of Acute Radiation Syndrome, H-ARS): To increase survival in adult and pediatric patients acutely exposed to myelosuppressive doses of radiation (approved based on animal efficacy data, as human efficacy trials are not ethical or feasible for this indication).
  • Not indicated for the mobilization of peripheral blood progenitor cells for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] must only be prescribed and administered under the supervision of a qualified physician, typically an oncologist or hematologist, as part of a defined chemotherapy or radiation-exposure treatment plan.

Dosage & Administration of Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim]

Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia

PopulationPegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] Dose
Adults and pediatric patients weighing ≥45 kg6 mg subcutaneously, once per chemotherapy cycle
Pediatric patients weighing 31 to <45 kg4 mg (0.4 mL) subcutaneously, once per chemotherapy cycle
Pediatric patients weighing 21 to <31 kg2.5 mg (0.25 mL) subcutaneously, once per chemotherapy cycle
Pediatric patients weighing 10 to <21 kg1.5 mg (0.15 mL) subcutaneously, once per chemotherapy cycle

Critical timing: Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] should be given approximately 24 hours after completion of myelosuppressive chemotherapy. It must not be administered in the period between 14 days before and 24 hours after the next dose of cytotoxic chemotherapy, because rapidly dividing myeloid cells may be more sensitive to chemotherapy during this window.

Hematopoietic Syndrome of Acute Radiation Syndrome (H-ARS)

Two doses of 6 mg subcutaneously, one week apart. The first dose should be given as soon as possible after suspected or confirmed exposure to a myelosuppressive dose of radiation (greater than 2 Gray); the second dose is given one week later.

Renal/Hepatic Adjustment

No dose adjustment is required for renal or hepatic impairment (see Use in Special Populations).

Side Effects of Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim]

Very Common

  • Bone pain and pain in the extremities — the most frequently reported adverse reactions
  • Injection-site reactions (redness, swelling, pain)
  • Headache, fatigue, generalized weakness
  • Nausea

Common

  • Leukocytosis (transient rise in white blood cell count, usually not clinically significant)
  • Arthralgia (joint pain), myalgia (muscle pain)

Less Common but Serious

  • Splenic rupture — rare but potentially fatal; presents with left upper abdominal or shoulder-tip pain (see Precautions)
  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
  • Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis
  • Sickle cell crisis in patients with sickle cell disorders, which can be severe or fatal
  • Glomerulonephritis
  • Capillary leak syndrome — can be life-threatening if not promptly treated
  • Cutaneous vasculitis and, rarely, large-vessel vasculitis/aortitis
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Rarely, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients with breast or lung cancer who received Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy

Patients should seek prompt medical attention for left upper abdominal or shoulder pain, breathing difficulty, signs of allergic reaction, or severe pain crisis while on Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] (see Precautions and Warnings).

Contraindications of Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim]

Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. anaphylaxis) to pegfilgrastim, filgrastim, or other granulocyte colony-stimulating factor products, or to any component of the formulation, including Escherichia coli (E. coli)-derived proteins. There are no other well-established absolute contraindications; conditions such as sickle cell disease, splenomegaly, or myeloid malignancy history require caution rather than being absolute contraindications, and are addressed under Precautions and Warnings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim]

What is Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] used for?

Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] is used to reduce the risk of infection (febrile neutropenia) in patients whose white blood cell count drops due to certain cancer chemotherapy. It is also used, as two doses one week apart, to improve survival in people who have been significantly exposed to radiation that damages bone marrow. It is not used to mobilize stem cells for transplantation.

How often is Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] given?

For chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] is given as a single subcutaneous injection once per chemotherapy cycle, about 24 hours after chemotherapy is completed — not daily. It must not be given within 14 days before the next chemotherapy dose.

What are the most serious side effects of Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] I should watch for?

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop pain in the left upper abdomen or tip of the shoulder (possible spleen problem), sudden difficulty breathing (possible lung problem), signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face/throat, hives, or trouble breathing, or a severe pain crisis if you have sickle cell disease, while taking Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim].

Is Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Data on Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] in pregnancy are limited, and animal studies suggest a potential risk at higher doses, so it should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed, as judged by your physician. It is not known if it passes into breast milk, so use caution and discuss breastfeeding with your physician while receiving treatment.

Can I give myself Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] injections at home?

Yes, after proper training from your healthcare provider, Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] prefilled syringes can be self-injected or given by a caregiver subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm/buttock. Let the syringe warm to room temperature first, do not shake it, and use each syringe only once.

How should Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] be stored at home?

Keep Pegfilgrastim [Pegylated Filgrastim] refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C, protected from light, and never frozen. If it must be kept at room temperature, use it within 48 hours and keep it away from direct heat and light. Always keep it out of reach of children.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

DoctorBlogArticles