Sargramostim is an antineoplastic drug that belongs to the category of medicines known as colony-stimulating factors. It was approved in March 1991 to treat chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.

Sargramostim has been developed to treat acute radiation syndrome, peripheral progenitor cell transplantation and it can also be used for bone marrow transplantation.

It should only be administered by a trained doctor or nurse experienced in giving chemotherapy. The medicine will be given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, usually once daily. The injection should be given at the same time every day, preferably in the morning. Do not self-administer the injection. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease severity and other factors. 

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Sargramostim are mouth sores, lung problems, headache, rash, abdominal pain, decreased appetite and lack of energy. If you experience any allergic or unusual reactions after taking this medicine, report to your doctor immediately.

This drug is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to sargramostim or any of its components. Also, it should not be used in patients with excessive leukemic myeloid blasts or in patients with known hypersensitivity to yeast-derived products, as this drug is produced in yeast cells. Additionally, caution should be taken in patients with underlying medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, pulmonary infiltrates or pulmonary edema, or renal insufficiency, as these conditions may be exacerbated by sargramostim therapy.

This drug is not recommended during pregnancy as it causes harm to the unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider before beginning this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. This medicine has been associated with the development of capillary leak syndrome, a rare disorder that can cause fluid and protein to leak out of blood vessels and into surrounding tissues. If you experience any symptoms like swelling, low blood pressure, or difficulty breathing. Consult your doctor immediately. It is recommended to avoid administering solutions containing benzyl alcohol, including this injection, which should not be given to neonates and low birth weight infants.

It is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to support your overall health and well-being. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help provide the vitamins and minerals your body needs to support the production of blood cells. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can help support your body's functions. 

1. Sargramostim - Food and Drug Administration.  Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/103362s5240lbl.pdf (Accessed on April 20, 2023).
2. Leukine® (sargramostim). Available at: https://www.leukine.com/ (Accessed on April 20, 2023).
3. Bertram.G.Katzung, Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, Drugs Used to Treat Diseases of the Blood, Inflammation, & Gout, 14th edition, 2017, 602.
4. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Inflammation, Immunomodulation, Hematopoiesis. 2011,1073-1074.

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.