Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml

Description

About

The human body has a natural ability to resist and fight foreign challenges that come in form of infections due to bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The inner state of the immune system will dictate how your body will tackle the infection. In certain conditions, the front-line warriors called White blood cells (Neutrophils mainly) go into depletion and make you infection-prone which can be fatal if severe.  Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml belongs to a class of drugs called Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factors (G-CSF) which helps the body replenish its levels of white blood cells. Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml is used to help boost your defense in conditions like chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant, neutropenia, etc. 

Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml is chemically composed of Filgrastim, which works by increasing the levels of white blood cells that help tackle bacterial challenges to the body. It stimulates the bone marrow to synthesize more neutrophils via colony-stimulating factors which are proteins that help blood cells reach their full maturity. Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml is usually given for 2 weeks on daily basis or until your cells reach the desired levels. Continuous monitoring of levels of blood cells is required throughout your treatment. 

Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml is available on prescription, as an injection to be administered either intravenously or underneath the skin in prescribed doses. Dosage of Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml depends on the nature of the condition, the patient’s response to the medicine, weight, and comorbidities. It can be safely administered to adults and children alike. However, it must not be taken by pregnant and lactating women without a doctor’s consult due to the risk of harm to the unborn baby. Common side effects of this medication are pain at the injection site, headache, bone pain, skin rash, sore mouth, and others. 

Indications

Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml is prescribed to children and adults to treat low white blood cell count to prevent infections in patients undergoing:

• myelosuppressive chemotherapy
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
• Bone marrow transplant 
• Peripheral blood progenitor cell collection and therapy (PBPC)
• Chronic neutropenia 
• Myelosuppressive radiotherapy

How does Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml work

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors naturally present in bone marrow help produce and increase the number of mature white blood cells which plays role in controlling challenges faced in form of inflammation and infectious states in the human body. 

In white blood cell-depleted states, Filgrastim contained in  Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml works by stimulating the bone marrow to synthesize more neutrophils via colony-stimulating factors which are proteins that help blood cells reach their full maturity and become functional. 

How to use Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml

It is given as a subcutaneous injection or injected into the veins by a healthcare professional, in dosage as prescribed by your doctor. Dosage is completely dependent on the weight, age, severity of infection, patient’s response to the medicine, and their comorbidities. Your doctor may vary your dosage accordingly. A new, sterile syringe must always be used and properly discarded following universal protocol for sharps disposal. Always start by cleaning your hands and the area to be injected. Carefully first check the glass vial to rule out any particulate matter in the solution. 

Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml is to be administered on daily basis for 2 weeks in which case the “at-home” subcutaneous injection technique can be taught to patients and healthcare providers. IV form is administered in a healthcare facility as a quick injection or a slow infusion via a maintained IV line. It can also be diluted with other injectable solutions matching the compatibility with Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml, such as dextrose, glucose, etc. Make sure not to use the same site for injections, the next dose must be administered at least 1 inch away from the previous site. The dose and duration of treatment are determined by monitoring absolute neutrophil count (ANC) before and during the treatment. 

Available Potency and form of Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml 

• 300mcg/mL  – Vial (solution) 

Dosage

Adult Dose

Chemotherapy

Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml is not administered before or within 24 hours after receiving chemotherapeutic agents. 

Starting Dose: 5 mcg/kg/day once, a Subcutaneous or IV infusions (either quick IV injection or slow continuous infusion) 

Regular monitoring of ANC is advised and if needed, the dose may be increased by 5 mcg/kg increments 

Bone Marrow Transplant

Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml  is administered  24 hours after receiving a bone marrow transplant. 

Starting Dose: 10 mcg/kg/day once, a Subcutaneous or IV infusions (either quick IV injection or slow continuous infusion) 

Peripheral blood progenitor cell collection and therapy (PBPC)

Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml is started a minimum of 4 days before the first procedure of leukapheresis which is to be continued till the last day of therapy, unless advised otherwise 

10 mcg/kg/day via subcutaneous injection. The collection procedure usually lasts for 6 to 7 days

Chronic Neutropenia 

This is to be administered for long durations, or till neutrophil count is consolidated as represented by ANC which is monitored regularly:

Congenital neutropenia: Initially 6 mcg/kg Subcutaneous twice a day at 12 hourly intervals

Idiopathic/cyclic neutropenia: Initially 5 mcg/kg/day Subcutaneous, once a day 

Radiotherapy Induced Neutropenia

Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml is started as soon as myelosuppression is detected after  radiation therapy

Daily dose: 10 mcg/kg via subcutaneous injection once a day 

Child Dose

Child dosage essentially remains the same as adult dose, to be calculated as per weight. Refer to adult dose as discussed above for details

Elderly dose

The use of Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml in the elderly population may require careful monitoring of kidney function and other factors. Advised doses may be adjusted according to renal function. Your doctor should set the most appropriate dose for you based on your medical history. 

Pregnancy use and lactation

Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml may pose a risk of adverse effects on the unborn baby, therefore if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to conceive a baby, please consult your doctor. Also Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml may be secreted into human milk, if you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking it. There is no adequate scientific data available on humans to form an opinion about associated safety risks. 

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml:

• Allergic reaction to Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml
• Allergy to products containing E.Coli derived proteins 
• Pregnancy 
• Severe kidney impairment 
• Sickle cell trait 
• Thrombocytopenia 
• Chronic myelogenous leukemia due to risk of primary malignancy 
• Child delivery 
• Breastfeeding 
• 24 hours before and after chemotherapy 
• Within 24 hours of a bone marrow transplant 

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions before using Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml:

• Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml must be used with caution if you have a history of drug-related allergies
• Make sure you understand the contents of Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml, agents like E.coli-derived proteins may cause a
• If you suffer from blood disorders, make sure to discuss them with your doctor first
• Adequacy of kidney function must be ensured. Dose adjustment may be required 
• If you are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, do not take Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml 24 hours before and after your therapy
• In case of a bone marrow transplant, Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml must not be taken within the next 24 hours
• Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml has been associated with spleen rupture, especially in cases of sickle cell disease 
• The patient is still at risk of developing infections while at the beginning of therapy. Watch out for signs of severe infection
• Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml can cause Thrombocytopenia in some patients, regular monitoring of blood cells is advised. This may put you at risk of easy bruising and bleeding 
•  Glomerulonephritis has also been reported with Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml 
• Watch out for the levels of blood cells, in case the amount exceeds the desired level, treatment will be discontinued by your doctor 
• Before injecting Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml thoroughly clean the injection, site and avoid injecting the area that is bruised or painful
•  Drinking alcohol will not affect the efficacy of Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml but it must be consumed in small amounts 

Interaction with other medications

Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml has no serious interactions reported but it may be minimally affected by interaction with other drugs. But some drugs may increase or decrease their absorption. Make sure to inform your doctor about all the drugs you’re currently taking, in which case, your doctor might alter the treatment. 

• Lithium 
• Cyclophosphamide 
• Vincristine 
• Vinblastin 
• Bleomycin 
• Topotecan

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml has some side effects which include:

Common side effects

• Pain at the injection site 
• Fever 
• Nausea 
• Diarrhea 
• Bone pain 
• Fatigue 
• Malaise 
• Dizziness 
• Epistaxis
• Hair loss  

Less common side effects

• Hypersensitivity/allergic skin reactions
• Splenic Rupture 
• Sickle Cell Disorders
• Blood in cough 
• Glomerulonephritis 
• Thrombocytopenia
• Leukocytosis 
• Muscle spasm 
• Paresthesia 
• Pain upon urination 
• Liver enlargement 
• Transfusion reaction 
• UTIs 
• Alteration in blood enzymes/chemistry  

How to cope with some of the adverse effects

• Soreness at the site of injection – a cold compress can be used for 5 minutes to ease out the soreness
• Bleeding more easily than normal – Be cautious of taking part in activities that could result in an injury or a deep cut. Always wear a helmet while cycling, gloves while using sharp objects like scissors and knives, use an electric razor instead of wet shaving, a soft toothbrush while brushing, and waxed dental floss. Contact your doctor if more than normal bleeding occurs. 
• Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) – Avoid eating rich or spicy food. It might help to take medication after food. If you’re sick, try drinking small, frequent sips of water.
• Diarrhea – Keep yourself hydrated by having lots of fluids and if the problem persists, consult your doctor before taking any medication for vomiting and diarrhea
• Stomachache – Try to rest as much as possible and have smaller and more frequent meals. Using a heat pack or hot water bottle over the area in pain might help in giving some relief. If the pain persists and is severe, speak to your doctor
• Headaches – In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe
• Bone Pain – A hot or cold compress can be placed at the area of discomfort to bring relief; an over-the-counter pain reliever such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be ingested to bring ease as well. Avoid high-intensity exercise while suffering from muscular pain.

FAQs

#1. WHAT EXACTLY DOES Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml DO?

Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml helps make depleted white blood cells that put a person at risk of severe infections. Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml stimulates the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells to overcome the deficiency 

#2. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml TO START WORKING?

The full effects of Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml may become evident slowly, in about a week’s time

#3. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO TAKE Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml FOR?

The duration for using Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml depends on the type of condition being treated and your neutrophil count as depicted in regular blood cell count (ANC). In general, it is taken for a short period of about 2 to 3 weeks or until the desired neutrophil level has been achieved. Follow your doctor’s advice 

#4. CAN I STOP TAKING  Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml?

Do not just stop taking the medicine unless advised to do so, make sure to complete your treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it will put you at a higher risk of serious infections if an adequate number of  WBCs is not present. 

#5. CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WITH  Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml?

Avoid consuming alcohol in large amounts when taking Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml to prevent the risk of adverse effects.

#6. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml?

Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml is administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital in IV form so it is unlikely to overdose unless mismanaged. At home, if you take SC injection by yourself, it is taken just once a day and if you have accidentally taken an extra amount, contact your doctor immediately if you have taken extra and notice any sign of side effects.

#7. CAN I TAKE  Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING?

If you are pregnant or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor before using Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml as it is contraindicated unless considered necessary. If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml as it may pose a risk to your baby.

#8. CAN I RIDE OR DRIVE AFTER TAKING Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml?

Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml doesn’t normally affect your concentration and may cause slight dizziness, so you should wait for a while before you can drive or ride a bike if you are feeling okay. If you are feeling unwell avoid such activities. Take safety measures to avoid potential injuries.

#9. HOW SHOULD Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml BE STORED?

Keep the medicine in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, in a refrigerator at 2°C – 8°C. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children, and other people. Dispose of unused medicine when it is expired or no longer needed. 30 minutes before each use take out the medicine from the refrigerator at room temperature.

#10. IS Neupogen 0.3mg Injection 1 ml SAFE FOR CHILDREN?

Children and infants suffering from cancer and receiving therapy, or a transplant can safely receive this medicine to avoid infections. Safety data of patients as young as 6 to 7 months is available.