Pegfilgrastim

Description

This page contains brief details about the drug pegfilgrastim, it’s indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Date of Approval

Pegfilgrastim is a hematopoietic drug that belongs to granulocyte colony stimulated factor (G-CSF) and was approved by the FDA on January 31, 2002, for the treatment of febrile neutropenia and to increase the survival rate in patients receiving myelosuppressive doses of radiation.

Mechanism of Action of Pegfilgrastim

Pegfilgrastim is a colony-stimulating factor that exerts its action by acting on blood-forming cells by binding to specific cell surface receptors, thereby inducing cell division, multiplication, and cell functional activation.

Uses of Pegfilgrastim

Pegfilgrastim is a prescription medication used to decrease the chance of infection caused by low levels of white blood cells in patients with certain types of cancer (non-myeloid) receiving anti-cancer drugs that suppress bone marrow activity. It is also indicated to increase the survival rate in patients receiving radiation therapy that suppresses bone marrow activity.

Pegfilgrastim Dosage available

Pegfilgrastim is available as a pre-filled injection, vial for injection, and on-body injector. The medicine will be administered in the fatty tissues just under your skin (subcutaneously) by a qualified healthcare professional in a hospital setting. The dose and frequency of administration will be decided by your doctor based on your disease condition and other factors.

If your physician decides that Pegfilgrastim can be administered at home by you or your caregiver, then read the “Instructions for use” carefully from the package insert that comes 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.