Filgrastim

Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: FILGRASTIM - INJECTION (fill-GRASS-tim)

USES
This medication stimulates the blood system (bone marrow) to make white blood cells. White blood cells help you fight infections. This medication is given to those whose ability to make white bloods cells has been reduced.

HOW TO USE
This medication is given by injection usually once a day until the proper blood counts are reached. If you will be administering this at home, make sure you understand the correct technique for injection and properly dispose of needles, syringes and the medication.

SIDE EFFECTS
Bone pain and fever have been reported. Most other side effects noted have been due to the medical condition or the chemotherapy medication. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: chest pain, rapid or irregular heart rate, mouth sores, severe weakness. Rarely, a potentially fatal rupturing of the spleen may occur. Tell your doctor immediately if either of these side effects occur: stomach/abdominal pain and/or shoulder pain. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions, such as: heart disease, any allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor about breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 (USA) or emergency room immediately.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE
Store this medication in the refrigerator as directed. Do not freeze it. Each dose of medication may be allowed to sit at room temperature for up to 6 hours. Discard any unused medication after 6 hours. Use each vial only once.

Note : This product information is intended only for residents of the India. Taj Pharmaceuticals Limited, medicines help to treat and prevent a range of conditions—from the most common to the most challenging—for people around the world.