Details

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Filgrastim 30 MIU injection is a hematopoietic growth factor that induces proper growth in precursors of white blood cells in the bone marrow.

 

It is a recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF), one of the myeloid growth factors, available for clinical use.

Initially, it was derived from human cells but now as a recombinant, it is derived from the bacterial culture of E.coli.

 

Mechanism of action: G-CSF is a biological molecule that acts by inducing proliferation and differentiation of precursors of the neutrophil resulting in their normal growth. It also acts by activating the phagocytic property of mature neutrophils and prolongs their survival in the circulation. It also increases their concentration of stem cells in peripheral blood.

It is available as Neupogen in both Indian and International markets.

 

Uses

• Filgrastim 30 MIU Injection is prescribed in neutropenia in patients undergoing myelosuppressive cancer chemotherapy and patients severe with chronic neutropenia.
• It is used in the recovery of the patients after bone marrow transplantation and patients being treated with stem cell or bone marrow transplantation.
• It is also prescribed to the donors of stem cells.
• Neupogen is also used to prevent any bone marrow damage after radiation exposure.

 

Dosage

• Filgrastim 30 MIU injection comes as a sterile clear liquid in a single-use vial which is injected under the skin or into the veins either by healthcare professionals or by self.
• Dosages are determined by the doctor according to the severity of neutropenia, weight, and response of the body to the drug.
• Neupogen is stored in the refrigerator.

 

Side effects

• Bone and muscle pain
• Allergic reactions at the site of injection like redness, itching, swelling
• Constipation, diarrhea
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
• Insomnia
• Spleen rupture
• Tiredness, feeling unwell, dizziness
• Systemic allergic reactions
• Leukocytosis
• Kidney disease

 

Precautions

• Do not shake the vial and if the liquid is foamy or discolored discard it.
• Neupogen can cause allergic reactions, inform the doctor immediately.
• Tell the doctor about any pre-existing allergy especially if it is due to latex, medical condition, ongoing medication, pregnancy, future plan of pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
• Inform the dentist before any dental procedure about the drug.

 

Review

Filgrastim 30 MIU injection is preferred over other G-CSF because of its fewer side effects and longer availability in the serum. Also, it has more effects on bone marrow than other bone marrow growth factors.

Tbo-filgrastim is similar to this drug with similar effects.