Filgrastim is a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor which was approved for its medical use in 1991 by FDA.

Filgrastim decreases the risk of developing febrile neutropenia (occurrence of fever or infection associated with low WBC count) and reduces the duration of neutropenia (low white blood cell count) in people who have non-myeloid cancer and are receiving chemotherapy drugs. It is also used to increase the number of WBC and decrease the length of time of fever in people with acute myeloid leukemia. 

It is also used in people undergoing bone marrow transplants and in people with severe chronic neutropenia (low number of neutrophils in the blood). Filgrastim is also used to prepare the blood for leukapheresis (a treatment in which certain blood cells are removed from the blood). It is also indicated to increase the chance of survival in people exposed to harmful amounts of radiation, which can cause severe damage to the bone marrow. Other uses include in patients with advanced HIV infection, which will help to reduce the risk of infections.

Filgrastim is available as a prefilled syringe and solution for injection, intended for subcutaneous or intravenous administration. It is available in a dose 300mcg. The dosing depends on your body weight and severity of illness. your healthcare professional will determine the dose, route of administration, frequency, and duration of treatment based on your disease condition and other factors.

If your physician decides that you or your caregiver can administer the Filgrastim prefilled syringe at home, then read the “Instructions for use” carefully from the package insert with the medicine. Your doctor or other healthcare professionals will train you on self-administration. Do not administer the medicine if you have not been trained and are not sure about the administration procedure.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Filgrastim Injection are nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, hair loss, low platelet and RBC counts, trouble sleeping, respiratory tract infection, blood pressure fluctuations, loss of appetite, lung inflammation, constipation, tingling, numbness, chest pain, muscle spasm, nosebleeds, and pain while urinating. If you experience any allergic reactions or discomfort after taking this injection, report to your doctor immediately.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience dizziness, fever, rapid heart rate, rash, itching, swelling of lips, breathing trouble, pain in the upper left belly, wheezing, and puffiness. During the Filgrastim injection treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, electrolytes, heart, liver, and kidney parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have been diagnosed with other sickle cell anemia or bone disease, or problems in your heart, liver, or kidneys. Patients with severe liver and kidney impairment should exercise caution while using this medicine. Do not use this injection if you are allergic to interferon beta, rubber, or latex.

The impact of Filgrastim during pregnancy is unknown. Tell your physician before starting this treatment if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or planning to have a baby. It is not known if Filgrastim passes into the breastmilk. However, it is advisable to tell your physician before starting this treatment if you are a breastfeeding mother or planning to breastfeed your child.

Eat a well-balanced diet. If you feel dizzy or tired, you should avoid driving or handling machines. Tell your physician if you have fructose intolerance. Inform your physician if you are experiencing any symptoms of swelling in the face, feet, hands, and abdomen, difficulty in breathing, sudden drop in blood pressure, left abdominal pain, weakness, and skin rashes. If you use the prefilled syringe, allow the medicine to warm for 30 minutes at room temperature before injecting. Read the package insert carefully if you are self-administering the medicine. 

1. Amgen Europe Ltd., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jul 2022] [Accessed on 28th Oct 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3000.pdf
2. James L. Zehnder, Agents Used in Cytopenias; Hematopoietic Growth Factors, Lange’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 591-607.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.