Pegfilgrastim is used to prevent the destruction of white blood cells (WBC) in blood that is caused due to chemotherapy. It reduces the occurrence of neutropenia (low WBC count in blood) and febrile neutropenia (low WBC count in blood with fever) among patients receiving chemotherapy.

Therapeutic Category

Pegfilgrastim: Colony stimulating factors

How Pegfilgrastim works

Pegfilgrastim is works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells. It also enhances the survival of the white blood cells by protecting it against the harmful effects of chemotherapy. This reduces the risk of neutropenia and its associated complications (such as fever, flu, and risk of infections) among patients receiving chemotherapy.

Common side effects of Pegfilgrastim

bone pain
nausea, headache
skin rash
pain, redness, bleeding or bruising at the site of injection
general aches and pains in the joints and muscles

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

In case of accidental overdosage
If you experience signs of allergic reactions (such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
If you experience signs of severe skin reactions (such as skin redness, itching, blistering and peeling or skin, red circular patches or pin-point dots with raised bumps accompanied with fever and tiredness)
If you experience cough, fever and difficulty in breathing
If you experience swelling of body parts with low urine output, difficulty in breathing, abdominal swelling and feeling of fullness, and a general feeling of tiredness (signs of Capillary Leak Syndrome)
If you experience signs of spleen problems (such as left upper abdominal pain or pain at the tip of shoulder)
If you experience signs of blood cancer such as tiredness, fever, and easy bruising or bleeding
If you experience signs of inflammation in the aorta (such as fever, stomach pain, tiredness, back pain and increased inflammatory markers)

Health Tips for Pegfilgrastim

Maintain good hand hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after administering the injection. This helps to minimize the risk of infection
Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated while taking this medicine. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help support your overall health and immune system
During your treatment, it is crucial to take precautions to prevent infections. Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick, practice good respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and maintain a clean living environment