If you are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, it is normal for your body's immune system to be weakened. This makes you more susceptible to infections. So, to reduce the risk of these infections and protect yourself, your doctor may recommend a special injection. One such important injection is Pegfilgrastim. In this article, we will talk about it in simple terms.
What is Pegfilgrastim?
Simply put, Pegfilgrastim is a medicine that helps your body fight germs. White blood cells are a type of cell that acts like the army in our body, preventing us from getting sick. When you receive chemotherapy, the number of these white blood cells can decrease. This makes it easier for you to get infections.
Pegfilgrastim injection works by stimulating your bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. It's like recruiting new soldiers for the army. This strengthens your immune system and significantly reduces your risk of developing infections.
This medication is sometimes used to treat people who have been exposed to high levels of radiation. It is available under various brand names, such as Fulphila, Neulasta, and UDENYCA.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
For your safety, it is very important to discuss these issues honestly with your doctor before starting this medication.
The more your doctor knows about your health condition, the more successful your treatment will be.
If you have any of these things, be sure to tell your doctor:
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney disease.
- Latex allergy: Some injection equipment may contain latex.
- Radiation therapy: If you are currently receiving radiation therapy.
- Sickle cell disease: People with this disease need special care.
- Allergy to acrylic adhesives: Sometimes this medication is given through a small device that is applied to the skin (On-Body Injector). If you are allergic to such adhesives, tell your doctor.
- Other allergies: If you have an allergy to Pegfilgrastim, Filgrastim, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother.
How do you use this injection?
This medicine is given as a subcutaneous injection . You may need to give yourself this injection at home. If so, a nurse or doctor will show you exactly how to do it, using a pre-filled syringe. Or they will show you how to use an on-body injector.
The most important thing is to follow the instructions you receive exactly. If you think the patch is not working properly, or if you suspect that you missed a dose or did not receive the full dose, notify your healthcare team immediately.
What do you do with used needles?
Warning: Never throw used needles and syringes in the general trash. These can cause serious harm to others.
These should be placed in a special strong plastic container that can be removed. If you don't have one, you can ask your doctor or hospital for one.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
It is not a good idea to miss the scheduled time for this medication. This can affect the success of the treatment. If you miss a dose, call your doctor immediately for advice.
Possible side effects of this medicine
Like any medicine, Pegfilgrastim can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common. The important thing is to be aware of these and take action quickly if necessary.
| Side effect | What you should be careful about |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. These are an emergency. |
| Capillary leak syndrome | Pain in the stomach or muscles, extreme fatigue, fainting, decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet, and difficulty breathing. |
| High white blood cell count | Fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, night sweats, vision changes, weight loss. |
| Spleen injury | Severe pain in the upper left side of the abdomen or left shoulder. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urine output, red or dark brown urine, foamy urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing or wheezing for no reason. |
| Unusual bruising or bleeding | Bleeding that does not stop even from a small wound or bruising on the body. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Bone pain | This is a common side effect. This pain can occur because the medicine stimulates the bone marrow. If you can't stand it, tell your doctor. |
| Pain in the limbs | Pain in the hands and feet. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Other things to consider when taking the medicine
- Medical supervision: Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are taking this medication. It is essential to have regular blood tests .
- Cancer risk: Some studies have shown a very small risk of developing certain types of cancer (e.g. leukemia) when taking this medication. Don't be alarmed by this, but it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about this and be aware.
- Other medical tests: If you need to have a test such as an MRI or CT scan, tell the medical team in advance that you are using Pegfilgrastim (especially the On-Body Injector).
Take-Home Message
- Pegfilgrastim is a very important injection given to protect against infections during cancer treatment (chemotherapy).
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies before starting the medication.
- Learn exactly how to give yourself an injection and how to safely dispose of used needles. Never throw needles in the trash.
- If you experience difficulty breathing, severe pain, or allergic symptoms (such as facial swelling), go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Although bone pain is a common side effect, seek medical advice if it is unbearable.
- It is very important to take medication on time and follow medical advice.
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