Pegfilgrastim (Systemic)
Brand Names : Neulasta
Before Using This MedicineIn deciding to use a medicine,
the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will
do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For pegfilgrastim, the
following should be considered:
Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual
or allergic reaction to pegfilgrastim or Filgrastim. Also tell your doctor
and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods,
preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy - Pegfilgrastim has not been studied in pregnant
women. However, studies in animals have shown that pegfilgrastim causes a decrease
in successful pregnancies. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor
knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding - It is not known whether pegfilgrastim passes
into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts,
many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking
this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children - Studies on this medicine have been done only in
adult patients and there is no specific information comparing use of pegfilgrastim
in children with use in other age groups. The 6-mg syringe should not be
used in infants, children, and smaller adolescents weighing less than 45 kilograms
(99 lbs) of body weight.
Older adults - This medicine has been tested in a limited number
of patients 65 years of age or older and has not been shown to cause different
side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used
together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to
change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care
professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter
[OTC]) medicine.
Other medical problems - The presence of other medical
problems may affect the use of pegfilgrastim. Make sure you tell your doctor
if you have any other medical problems, especially:
-
Sickle Cell Disease - Pegfilgrastim may increase the risk of
unwanted effects.
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