Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) is a man-made form of a protein that stimulates the growth of white blood cells in your body. White blood cells help your body fight against infection.
Neulasta is used to prevent neutropenia, a lack of certain white blood cells caused by receiving chemotherapy.
Neulasta may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Neulasta if you are allergic to pegfilgrastim or filgrastim (Neupogen).
Before using Neulasta, tell your doctor if you have sickle cell disorder, chronic myeloid leukemia, myelodysplasia (also called "preleukemia"), or if you are allergic to latex.
Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
Neulasta is usually given once per chemotherapy cycle. Neulasta should not be given within 14 days before or 24 hours after you receive chemotherapy.
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before using Neulasta
You should not use Neulasta if you are allergic to pegfilgrastim or filgrastim (Neupogen).
To make sure you can safely use Neulasta, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
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sickle cell disorder;
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chronic myeloid leukemia;
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myelodysplasia (also called "preleukemia"); or
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if you are allergic to latex.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Neulasta will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of Neulasta on the baby.
It is not known whether pegfilgrastim passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use Neulasta?
Neulasta is injected under the skin. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Neulasta is usually given once per chemotherapy cycle. This medication should not be given within 14 days before or 24 hours after you receive chemotherapy.
Do not shake the medication bottle or you may ruin the medicine. Prepare your dose only when you are ready to give an injection. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Each prefilled syringe is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it after injecting your dose.
Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
You may need frequent medical tests to help your doctor determine how long to treat you with Neulasta.
Store this medication in the refrigerator, do not freeze. Protect from light and do not shake. Take the medicine out and allow it to reach room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting your dose.
Throw away any unused syringes after the expiration date on the label has passed.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of Neulasta.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Neulasta side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Neulasta: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Neulasta and call your doctor at once if you have:
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sudden or severe pain in your left upper stomach spreading up to your shoulder;
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severe dizziness, skin rash, or flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
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rapid breathing or feeling short of breath; or
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signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, unusual weakness.
Common Neulasta side effects may include:
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bone pain;
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pain in your arms or legs; or
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bruising, swelling, pain, redness, or a hard lump where the injection was given.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Neulasta?
Other drugs may interact with Neulasta, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
