Generic name and Trade name

• Filgrastim (GCSF^®)
• Lenograstim (Granocyte^®)
• PegylatedFilgrastim (Neulasta^®)

What is G-CSF and what it is used for?

• G-CSF is a growth factor that stimulates the bone marrow to produce more blood cells.
• G-CSF is a supportive care medicine that is given during treatment with chemotherapy so that you are neutropenic (an abnormally low levels of white blood cells in the blood) for a shorter time. It can also be used before and after a stem cell transplant.

How G-CSF is given?

• G-CSF is injected under the skin. The injection will be given into your thigh, abdomen or upper arm. The injection site will be changed each time.

Common Side effects

• Injection site reaction

You might have stinging or a dull ache for a short time after injection. The skin in the injection site may go red and itchy for a while. These reactions usually disappear on their own.

• Low platelet count

You may easily have nosebleeds or bleeding gums after brushing your teeth. Sometimes you may find lots of tiny red spots on your arms or legs. Tell your doctor at once if you have any bruising or bleeding that you cannot explain.

• Nausea

The symptom is usually mild. If this happens, ask your doctor about medicines that can help relieve nausea.

• Fever

Tell your doctor if this happens. They can prescribe fever reducers to you. Be sure to ask your doctor before taking any fever reducers.

• Bone or muscle pain, Headache

Tell your doctor if this happens. They can prescribe pain relievers to you. Be sure to ask your doctor before taking any pain relievers.

• Diarrhea

Talk to your doctor and ask for advice. Drinking plenty of water and dietary changes can improve diarrhea.

• Skin rash

A rash can be itchy, red, or painful. Tell your doctor about any skin changes that you have, they can give you medicines and advices that help you feel better.

• Fatigue

Try to pace yourself and rest as much as possible. Seek medical advice if fatigue does not go away when you rest and sleep.

More Information

• G-CSF may pass into the breast milk and can harm your baby. Do not breastfeed while using G-CSF.
• G-CSF may harm the fetus. Do not use G-CSF in pregnant women. Effective birth control should be used while you are having G-CSF.
• Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.
• If you need to undergo any surgical procedures, be sure to tell the doctor that you are receiving G-CSF.