Active ingredient: Pegfilgrastim
Class: Granulocyte colony-stimulated factor
FDA approval: To decrease the risk of developing febrile neutropenia (occurrence of fever or infection with low WBC count) and the duration of neutropenia (low white blood cell count) when receiving bone marrow suppressive chemotherapy drugs. Also indicated to increase survival rate in patients exposed to radiation therapy.
Mechanism of action:
- Acts on blood-forming cells.
- Stimulates cell multiplication.
- Activates cell function.
Uses:
- Decreases the chance of infection caused by low levels of white blood cells in patients with certain types of cancer (non-myeloid) receiving bone marrow suppressing anti-cancer drugs.
- Increases the survival rate in patients receiving radiation therapy that suppresses bone marrow activity.
Important information:
- Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C), do not freeze.
- Do not shake the injection.
- Discard if stored at room temperature for more than 48 hours.
- Keep out of reach from children and pets.
- Administered subcutaneously by a qualified healthcare professional in a hospital setting.
Safety advice:
- Pregnancy: unsafe, may cause birth defects.
- Breastfeeding: unsafe, may harm the baby.
- Lungs: unknown if safe for patients with lung problems.
- Liver: unknown if safe for patients with liver disorders.
- Alcohol: unsafe to consume alcohol with this injection.
- Driving: unsafe to travel, drive vehicles or operate heavy machinery after taking (1 hour) Adfill 6mg Injection.
Side effects:
- Common: pain in the bones, joints and muscles; pain at the site of injection; itchiness and skin rash; nausea; headaches; dizziness and tiredness.
- Serious: inflammation of aorta; capillary leak syndrome; hypersensitivity reactions; changes in urine color; swelling in hands, feet, face, and abdomen; difficulty in breathing; sickle cell anemia.
FAQ:
What is the difference between Adfill 6mg Injection pre-filled syringe and on-body injector? The on-body injector is a small, lightweight delivery system applied to the skin during your chemo appointment. It is automatically designed to inject the dose under your skin (subcutaneously) whereas the pre-filled syringe contains the Adfill 6mg Injection medicine, and it should be injected by your healthcare provider or you manually.
What are the symptoms that I should notify the physician when taking Adfill 6mg Injection? Inform your physician if you are experiencing any symptoms of swelling in the face, feet, hands, and abdomen, difficulty in breathing, sudden drop in blood pressure, left abdominal pain, weakness, and skin rashes.
What is the Adfill 6mg Injection package insert? The FDA provides a package insert, which summarizes the relevant scientific information needed for healthcare practitioners and patients to use the drug safely and effectively. The package insert contains safety information, instruction for use, and other information.
Who should not take Adfill 6mg Injection? Adfill 6mg Injection is not indicated for everyone. Do not take this injection if you are allergic to pegfilgrastim, filgrastim or any of the other ingredients in this injection.
Will Adfill 6mg Injection affect my kidneys? This injection may affect your kidneys. Regular kidney function tests will be taken to monitor your kidney functions. Inform your physician if you have any kidney problems.
Can I breastfeed while taking Adfill 6mg Injection? No, this injection secretes in small amounts in breast milk. Adfill 6mg Injection can cause harm to your baby. Please consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Fact box:
- Molecule name: Pegfilgrastim
- Therapeutic class: Hematopoietic
- Pharmacological class: Colony-stimulating factors
- Indications: Febrile neutropenia