Uses of Filgrastim

Filgrastim used to increase the number of white blood cells to prevent infections after chemotherapy treatment and bone marrow transplant.

It is also used before high-dose chemotherapy to make the bone marrow produce more stem cells after treatment. It is also used to prevent infections in patients suffering from severe chronic neutropenia (rare blood disorder marked by abnormal white blood cell levels).  The medicine is also indicated for use to reduce the risk of infections in patients with advanced HIV infection.

Therapeutic Category

Filgrastim: Cytokines

How Filgrastim works

Filgrastim works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce more neutrophils (type of white blood cell) which helps in fighting the microorganisms and prevent the occurrence of infection after chemotherapy/bone marrow transplant in affected individuals.

Common side effects of Filgrastim

• Thrombocytopenia (reduced ability of blood to clot)
• Anemia
• Headache
• Decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea
• Unusual hair loss/thinning
• Pain, general weakness/feeling unwell, tiredness, fever, muscle spasm
• Mucosal inflammation (soreness and swelling of the digestive tract)
• Signs of bronchitis (inflammation of the lung) such as cough, shortness of breath, chest discomfort
• Oral pain, nose bleeds, upper respiratory tract infection, chest pain
• Urinary tract infection
• Sleeplessness, dizziness
• Hypoesthesia (decreased feeling of sensitivity especially in the skin)
• Tingling/numbness and swelling in hands and feet
• Low/high blood pressure
• Cough
• Pain in mouth and throat
• Rash, redness of skin
• Dysuria (pain when passing urine)

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor, if you experience:

• Signs of an allergic reaction
• Signs of acute respiratory distress syndrome (condition that occurs due to accumulation of fluid in air sacs)
• Signs of glomerulonephritis (kidney injury)
• Signs of capillary leak syndrome (condition that occurs due to blood leakage from small blood vessels into body) such as swelling/puffiness associated with low urine output, difficulty breathing, abdominal swelling, feeling of fullness, and/or general feeling of tiredness
• Signs of sepsis (blood poisoning) such as fever, shivering, feeling very cold, high heart rate, confusion/disorientation, shortness of breath, extreme pain/discomfort, and/or clammy/sweaty skin
• Enlarged/ruptured spleen associated with symptoms such as left abdominal pain, pain below the left rib cage, and/or pain at the tip of shoulder
• Blood in urine (haematuria)
• Signs of thrombocytopenia (decreased blood platelet count) such as unusual bleeding/bruising
• Signs of aortitis (inflammation of aorta) such as fever, abdominal pain, malaise, and/or back pain

Health Tips for Filgrastim

• Follow your doctor's instructions on how to take filgrastim. The medication is often given as an injection under the skin or through a vein, and the dosage and frequency will be determined by your healthcare provider
• Stay well-hydrated while on filgrastim, as proper hydration supports the overall effectiveness of the treatment
• Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
• Attend regular health checkups while taking this medicine
• Filgrastim is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women