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Colony Stimulating Factors - Some Benefits on Usage of Colony Stimulating Factors

Type of Drug:

Granulocyte colony- or white blood cell-stimulating factor.

How the Drug Works:

Colony stimulating factors are synthetic copies of the natural product that stimulates production of infection-fighting white blood cells (granulocytes) by the bone marrow.

Uses: Filgrastim: To decrease the incidence of infections due to neutropenia (low white blood cell counts) in cancer patients who are receiving white blood cell-suppressing anticancer drugs.

To reduce the duration of neutropenia and its symptoms (eg, fever, infections) in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy followed by bone marrow transplantation.

For chronic use to reduce the incidence and duration of the symptoms of neutropenia (eg, fever, infections, mouth or throat ulcers) in patients with severe chronic Neutrogena (SCN).

Pegfilgrastim: To decrease the incidence of infections due to neutropenia (low white blood cell counts) in cancer patients who are receiving white blood cell-suppressing anticancer drugs.

Sargramostim: For use after induction of chemotherapy in patients 55 years of age or older with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) to shorten time to neutrophil (white blood cell) recovery to lower the risks of severe and life-threatening infections.

To Speed up bone marrow recovery in patients with non-Hodgkin lyrnphoma (NHL), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and Hodgkin disease undergoing bono marrow tmnsplantation (BMT). for bone marrow transplant patients in whom engraftment og bone narow is delayed or has failed.

Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe filtrating for AIDS, plastic anemia, hairy cell leukemia, drug-induced or congenital agranll locytosis, or developmental defects of the spinal cord.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations:

allergy to E. coli-derived proteins (filtrating, prefigures only) allergy to the drug or any of its ingredients chemotherapy, current immature white blood cells in the bone marrow or peripheral blood (sargramostim only) radiation therapy, concurrent

Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): ARDS has been report hi neutropenic patients receiving colony stimulating factors. Notify you doctor if you experience fever or difficulty breathing.

Benzyl alcohol: Sargramostim injection contains benzyl alcohol, which all been associated with a fatal "gasping syndrome" in premature in fall Do not administer to neonates.

First dose effects: A syndrome with respiratory distress, hypoxia, flubs ill below blood pressure, fainting, or fast heartbeat has occurred follow) the first administration of sargramostim in a particular cycle. These have resolved with treatment and usually do not recur with subsoil doses in the same cycle of treatment.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits 01 II weigh the possible risk to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if colony stimulating factors appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children:

Filgrastim - Serious long-term risks associated with daily filgrastim five not been identified in children 1 month to 16 years of age with severe chronic neutropenia. Safety and effectiveness in neonates and patilents with autoimmune neutropenia of infancy have not been established.

Peogfilgrastim - Safety and effectiveness have not been established.Do not use the 6 mg fixed-dose single-use syringe formulation in infants, I smaller adolescents weighing less than 45 kg.

Sargramostim - Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Lab Tests: Lab tests and exams will be required to monitor therapy. Tests include white build cell and platelet counts and liver and kidney tests.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if your are taking or planning to take any over the-counter or prescription medication or dietary supplements while taking these drugs. Drug doses may need to be modified or a drug prescribed. Drugs that may stimulate release of white blood cell. from the bone marrow, such as corticosteroids (eg, hydrocorti-sone) or lithium (eg, Eskalith) may interact with these drugs.

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

  • Digestive tract: Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; appetite loss; gastrointestinal upset or bleeding; inflammation of the mouth; stomach pain or bloating; motion; bloody vomit or stools; difficulty swallowing; constipation;taste senonsation changes; sore throat.

  • Nervous System: Weakness; dizziness; general body discomfort; nervous system disorder; headache; abnormal skin sensations; sleeplessness;

Guidelines for Use:

  • Follow the storage, preparation, injection, and disposal procedures taught to you by your health care provider.

  • Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.

  • Do not stop taking or change the dose, unless instructed by your doctor.

  • Talk to your doctor about what to do if you miss a dose.

  • Do not use if there are particles or discoloration in the injection solution.

  • Contact your doctor immediately if you experience rash, difficulty breathing, flushing, dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, fast heart­beat, or upper abdominal or shoulder pain.

  • Lab tests and exams will be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.

  • Do not mix with any other inject able medications.

  • Syringes and vials of filtrating and prefigures contain no preservatives.

  • Store in refrigerator (36 to 46°F). Do not freeze or shake. Filgrastim may be allowed to reach room temperature for up to 24 hours before injection. Discard vial or syringe if left at room temperature for longer than 24 hours. Prefigures may be allowed to reach room temperature for up to 48 hours before injection. Discard syringe if left at room temperature for longer than 48 hours. If accidentally frozen, allow to thaw in the refrigerator before injecting . Discard if frozen a second time