Filgrastim is a drug to treat neutropenia caused by cancer, chemotherapy, or bone marrow transplants. In addition, this drug can also be used to trigger the production of blood stem cells in the treatment of blood cancer.
Neutropenia is a low level of neutrophils, which is a type of white blood cell . This condition makes it difficult for the body to fight infections, especially those caused by bacteria, so it needs to be avoided as early as possible.
Filgrastim is a synthetic (artificial) form of a natural substance in the body called colony stimulating factor (CSF). This drug works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce new and healthy blood cells, including white blood cells.
Filgrastim trademarks : Filgia , Leucogen, Neukine
What is Filgrastim
| class | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Haematopoietic agent |
| Benefit | Overcoming neutropenia and triggering the production of blood stem cells |
| Used by | Mature |
| Filgrastim for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C : Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women.
Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Filgrastim can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Warning Before Using Filgrastim
There are several things that must be considered before using Filgrastim, including:
- Do not use filgrastim if you have an allergy to this drug or to pegfilgrastim.
- Tell your doctor if you have had or currently have chronic myeloblastic leukemia, myeloproliferative disease , bleeding disorders, breathing problems, sickle cell anemia , kidney disease, leukocytosis , or thrombocytopenia .
- Tell your doctor if you have had or are currently undergoing radiation therapy .
- Tell your doctor if you plan to have dental work, surgery, or chemotherapy . Do not use filgrastim 24 hours before or after you have chemotherapy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products, to anticipate drug interactions.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- See a doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effects, or an overdose, after using filgrastim.
Dosage and Rules for Use Filgrastim
The dose of filgrastim will be determined by the doctor based on the patient's weight. The following is a general dose of filgrastim use in adults which is divided based on the intended use:
-
Purpose: Overcoming neutropenia due to chemotherapy
5 mcg/kgBW once a day, until neutrophil levels are normal, generally around 14 days. Drug administration is carried out no later than 24 hours after chemotherapy. -
Purpose: Overcoming neutropenia after bone marrow transplantation
10 mcg/kgBW once a day. Administration of the drug is carried out no later than 24 hours after the bone marrow transplant. -
Purpose: Overcoming congenital neutropenia (from birth)
12 mcg/kgBB once a day or in divided doses. Dosage can be changed according to the patient's response to the drug. -
Purpose: Overcoming HIV
-induced neutropenia 1 mcg/kgBB once a day, and can be increased to a maximum of 4 mcg/kgBB a day, until normal neutrophil levels. The usual maintenance dose is 300 mcg per day. -
Purpose: Overcome cyclic neutropenia and idiopathic neutropenia
5 mcg/kgBB once daily, in single or divided doses. Dosage may be adjusted based on patient response. -
Purpose: To trigger blood stem cell production to be given to blood cancer
patients 10 mcg/kgBW by injection under the skin, once a day. Duration of treatment for 5–7 days.
How to use Filgrastim Properly
Follow the doctor's recommendations before using filgrastim. Injectable Filgrastim should only be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. This drug is usually given by injection into the skin (subcutaneously), but can also be given by infusion into a vein (intravenously).
Do regular blood tests to the doctor while you are undergoing treatment with filgrastim.
Filgrastim interactions with other drugs
Filgrastim can cause interactions between drugs when used with other drugs, in the form of:
- Worsening of neutropenia when used with fluorouracil
- Increased effect of filgrastim when used with lithium
- Increased risk of side effects from bleomycin or cyclophosphamide
Filgrastim Side Effects and Dangers
Filgrastim can cause a number of side effects, including:
- Redness, itching, swelling in the injection site
- Pain in muscles , joints, bones
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Nauseous
- Vomit
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Nosebleed
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or even get worse. See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Left abdominal pain that can radiate to the left shoulder
- Fever
- Heart beat
- It's hard to breathe
- Swelling in the stomach, face or ankles
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Dark or bloody urine
- Bleeding cough
- Pain when urinating