Neulasta 6 mg solution for injection
What is it and how is it used?
Neulasta is used to reduce the duration of neutropenia (low white blood cell count) and the occurrence of febrile neutropenia (low white blood cell count with a fever) which can be caused by the use of cytotoxic chemotherapy (medicines that destroy rapidly growing cells). White blood cells are important as they help your body fight infection. These cells are very sensitive to the effects of chemotherapy which can cause the number of these cells in your body to decrease. If white blood cells fall to a low level there may not be enough left in the body to fight bacteria and you may have an increased risk of infection.
Your doctor has given you Neulasta to encourage your bone marrow (part of the bone which makes blood cells) to produce more white blood cells that help your body fight infection.
What do you have to consider before using it?
Do not use Neulasta
■if you are hypersensitive (allergic) to pegfilgrastim, filgrastim, E. coli derived proteins, or any of the other ingredients of Neulasta.
Take special care with Neulasta
Please tell your doctor:
■if you experience a cough, fever and difficulty breathing;
■if you have sickle cell anaemia;
■if you get left upper abdominal pain or pain at the tip of your shoulder;
■if you have an allergy to latex. The needle cover on the pre-filled syringe contains a derivative of latex and may cause severe allergic reactions.
Using other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine. Neulasta has not been tested in pregnant women. It is important to tell your doctor if you:
■are pregnant;
■think you may be pregnant; or
■plan to become pregnant.
You must stop breast feeding if you use Neulasta.
Drivingandusingmachines
The effect of Neulasta on the ability to drive or use machines is not known.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Neulasta
Neulasta contains sorbitol (a type of sugar). If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking Neulasta. Neulasta is essentially sodium-free.
How is it used?
Neulasta is for use in adults aged 18 and over.
Always take Neulasta exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure. The usual dose is one 6 mg subcutaneous injection (injection under your skin) using a pre-filled syringe and it should be given approximately 24 hours after your last dose of chemotherapy at the end of each chemotherapy cycle.
Do not shake Neulasta vigorously as this may affect its activity
Injecting Neulasta yourself
Your doctor may decide that it would be more convenient for you to inject Neulasta yourself. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to inject yourself. Do not try to inject yourself if you have not been trained.
For further instructions on how to inject yourself with Neulasta, please read the section at the end of this leaflet.
If you use more Neulasta than you should
If you use more Neulasta than you should contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
If you forget to inject Neulasta
If you have forgotten a dose of Neulasta, you should contact your doctor to discuss when you should inject the next dose.
What are possible side effects?
Like all medicines, Neulasta can cause side effects, although |
