Filgrastim

Filgrastim Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Filgrastim is a brand name. Its generic name is Filgrastim.

Filgrastim

Filgrastim is a biosynthetic form of human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). It is used to treat a variety of chronic and acute hematologic conditions, including malignancies, myelodysplastic syndromes, and immunodeficiencies. In malignancies, it is used to increase blood cell counts in patients undergoing chemotherapy and to prevent neutropenia (low levels of neutrophils). Filgrastim is also used to increase the number of stem cells collected from the patient's bone marrow for autologous transplantation.

Uses

Filgrastim is used to treat neutropenia caused by a variety of conditions, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplantation, and some immunologic disorders. It is also used to increase the number of stem cells collected from the bone marrow for autologous transplantation, and to reduce the risk of infection in patients with HIV/AIDS.

Mechanism of Action

Filgrastim stimulates the production of neutrophils (white blood cells) in the bone marrow. It binds to the membrane-bound receptor G-CSFR, which activates the JAK/STAT pathway to induce the production of neutrophils. It also promotes the release of neutrophils from the bone marrow into the bloodstream.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

The effects of filgrastim can be seen within 24-48 hours, but it can take up to 2 weeks for the full effects of the drug to be seen. The peak effects of the drug occur 1-2 days after administration.

Absorption

Filgrastim is almost completely absorbed after subcutaneous or intramuscular administration. Peak concentrations are reached in 2-4 hours.

Route of Elimination

Filgrastim is primarily eliminated by the kidneys. Approximately 70-80% of the drug is excreted unchanged in the urine.

Dosage

The recommended dosage of filgrastim is 5 to 10 mcg per kilogram of body weight administered once a day. The dose can be adjusted up to a maximum of 30 mcg per kilogram depending on the patient’s response. The dosage should be given 1-2 days before chemotherapy or radiation therapy and continued until the patient’s blood cell count returns to normal.

Administration

Filgrastim can be administered by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. The injection should be given in the upper arm, thigh, abdomen, or buttocks.

Side Effect

Common side effects of filgrastim include nausea, vomiting, bone pain, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. Rare but serious side effects include bone marrow suppression, allergic reactions, and severe respiratory disorders.

Toxicity

Filgrastim is not known to be toxic, however long-term use of high doses of the drug can lead to bone marrow suppression.

Precaution

Filgrastim should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing hematologic disorders or in those with an increased risk of bleeding. It should not be used in patients with genetic defects in the interleukin-3 (IL-3) receptor alpha chain, and it should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment.

Interaction

There are no known drug or disease interactions with filgrastim.

Food Interactions

No food interactions with filgrastim are known.

Pregnancy Use

Filgrastim should be used during pregnancy only if absolutely necessary and only under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Lactation Use

Filgrastim is not known to be excreted in breast milk and should not affect the nursing infant.

Acute Overdose

There is no specific antidote for an overdose of filgrastim and treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Intravenous fluids and electrolyte replacement may be necessary.

Contraindication

Filgrastim is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to recombinant G-CSF or any of the components of the product.

Use Direction

Filgrastim should be administered by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. The injection should be given in the upper arm, thigh, abdomen, or buttocks.

Storage Condition

Filgrastim should be stored at temperatures between 20° and 25°C. It should be protected from light and kept away from heat and moisture.

Volume of Distribution

After intravenous administration, the volume of distribution of filgrastim is approximately 3.7 liters per kilogram.

Half Life

The elimination half-life of filgrastim is approximately 3 hours.

Clearance

The total body clearance of filgrastim is approximately 26 liters per hour per kilogram.

Here you find in details version of Filgrastim

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Filgrastim

What is Filgrastim?

Filgrastim is an injectable biologic prescription medicine used to reduce the chance of infection in people with certain types of cancer and to reduce the risk of infection in people with Chronic Granulomatous Disease.

What is the active ingredient in Filgrastim?

The active ingredient in Filgrastim is recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, which is a recombinant DNA-derived human protein.

How does Filgrastim work?

Filgrastim helps the body to produce more neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell that fights infection. This helps to reduce the chance of infection in people with cancer or Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD).

What are some of the side effects of Filgrastim?

The most common side effects of Filgrastim include bone pain, injection site reactions, headache, and fatigue. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects.

How is Filgrastim given?

Filgrastim is given as a single injection under your skin. Your doctor will advise when and how to use it.

Who should not take Filgrastim?

Do not take Filgrastim if you are allergic to it, had a severe allergic or hypersensitivity reaction after receiving filgrastim in the past, or suffered from a splenic rupture before.

What is Filgrastim used for?

Filgrastim is used to reduce the chance of infection in people with certain types of cancer and to reduce the risk of infection in people with Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD).

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Filgrastim?

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have liver or kidney disease, or have any allergies.

What if I forget a dose of Filgrastim?

If you miss a dose of Filgrastim, contact your healthcare provider for advice on when to take your next dose.

Can Filgrastim be used during pregnancy?

Filgrastim should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. Talk to your doctor about any potential risks to your pregnancy.

Who should not take Filgrastim?

Do not take Filgrastim if you are allergic to it, had a severe allergic or hypersensitivity reaction after receiving filgrastim in the past, or suffered from a splenic rupture before.

What is the recommended dose of Filgrastim?

The recommended dose of Filgrastim is determined by your healthcare provider and depends on your age, body weight, and medical condition.

Are there any drug interactions with Filgrastim?

Yes, Filgrastim may interact with other medications such as anticoagulants, corticosteroids, and other immunosuppressants. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any potential drug interactions.

Does Filgrastim have any side effects?

The most common side effects of Filgrastim include bone pain, injection site reactions, headache, and fatigue. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects.

Can children take Filgrastim?

Yes, Filgrastim is approved for use in children two years of age and older. Talk to your doctor to determine if Filgrastim is right for your child.

What should I do if I experience any side effects from Filgrastim?

If you experience any side effects from Filgrastim, contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately.

Can I take Filgrastim if I'm breastfeeding?

Filgrastim should not be taken while breastfeeding due to the risk of side effects in the infant. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Can Filgrastim be used for chronic granulomatous disease?

Yes, Filgrastim is used to reduce the risk of infection in people with Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD).

Are there any risks associated with taking Filgrastim?

Yes, there is a risk of serious side effects associated with taking Filgrastim, such as splenic rupture. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider for more information.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Filgrastim?

If you miss a dose of Filgrastim, contact your healthcare provider for advice on when to take your next dose.

What should I avoid while taking Filgrastim?

You should avoid activities that may put you at risk of infection, such as contact sports or swimming in public pools.

Can I take other medications with Filgrastim?

You should tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as they may interact with Filgrastim.

Can I drive or operate machinery while taking Filgrastim?

You should avoid driving or operating machinery while taking Filgrastim, as it may cause side effects such as dizziness or fatigue.

What should I do if I experience any signs of infection while taking Filgrastim?

If you experience any signs of infection while taking Filgrastim, such as fever, chills, or sore throat, contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately.

How long should I take Filgrastim?

The length of treatment with Filgrastim will depend on your individual needs and should be determined by your doctor.

Are there alternative treatments for reducing infection risk?

Yes, other treatments such as antibiotics or immune-modulating drugs may be used to reduce infection risk.

How should I store Filgrastim?

Filgrastim should be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C – 8°C (36°F – 46°F). Keep out of reach of children and away from heat and light.

Can I take Filgrastim if I have liver or kidney disease?

Talk to your doctor before taking Filgrastim if you have liver or kidney disease. Your doctor may adjust your dose or recommend an alternative treatment.

Will Filgrastim affect my fertility?

Filgrastim has been known to affect fertility in animal studies. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about a possible effect on your fertility.

Should I avoid certain activities while taking Filgrastim?

You should avoid contact sports and activities that may put you at risk of infection while taking Filgrastim.

What other drugs are similar to Filgrastim?

Other drugs similar to Filgrastim include pegfilgrastim and biosimilars. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the differences between these drugs.

Can Filgrastim be used to treat cancer?

No, Filgrastim is used to reduce the chance of infection in people with certain types of cancer and to reduce the risk of infection in people with Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD).

What if I overdose on Filgrastim?

If you have overdosed on Filgrastim, contact your healthcare provider or poison control center right away.

Are there any food restrictions while taking Filgrastim?

No, there are no food restrictions while taking Filgrastim.

How long does Filgrastim stay in the body?

Filgrastim typically stays in the body for about 24 hours.

Is there a generic version of Filgrastim available?

Yes, there is a generic version of Filgrastim available.

What happens if I take too much Filgrastim?

If you take too much Filgrastim, contact your doctor or healthcare provider right away.

Can Filgrastim be used to reduce the risk of infection in the elderly?

Yes, Filgrastim can be used to reduce the risk of infection in the elderly.

Can I use Filgrastim if I'm allergic to other drugs?

You should tell your healthcare provider about any allergies you may have in order to determine if Filgrastim is safe for you to use.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Filgrastim?

It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Filgrastim. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Can Filgrastim cause weight gain?

Weight gain has been reported in people taking Filgrastim; however, it is not known if this is due to the drug itself or to other factors such as diet or lifestyle changes.

What should I do if I have an allergic reaction to Filgrastim?

If you have an allergic reaction to Filgrastim, stop taking it and contact your doctor or healthcare provider right away.

Is Filgrastim covered by insurance?

Filgrastim may be covered by some insurance plans. Check with your insurance provider to see if Filgrastim is covered.

When will I start to notice an effect from taking Filgrastim?

The effect of Filgrastim will depend on your individual needs and should be determined by your doctor. Talk to your doctor for more information.