pegfilgrastim <G-CSF> (Neulasta, Fulphila)

Introduction

Tradename: Neulasta

Indications

• myelosuppression in cancer patients
  • adults with AML or myelodysplastic syndrome
    • no effect on disease-free time
    • decreased fevers, antibiotics, hospitalization
    • decreased need for antifungal therapy
  • pediatric patients with ALL
    • shorter hospitalizations & fewer infections
    • no change in 3 year survival
• myelosuppression in stem cell transplantation or bone marrow transplantation (BMT)
• HIV therapy-induced myelosuppression when a change in medication regimen is contraindicated
• prevention of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia

Contraindications

• little benefit in patients with febrile neutropenia (benefit is largely prophylactic)

Pregnancy category C

Safety in lactation ?

Dosage

• see filgrastim

Pharmacokinetics

• action for several weeks

Adverse effects

• see filgrastim

Mechanism of action

• pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) congugate of G-CSF (filgrastim)
• see filgrastim

More general terms

• filgrastim [G-CSF] (Neupogen, Lenograstim, Granulokine)