Pegfeel 6mg Injection consists of the active Peglylated granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. This is synthesized from the bacteria E.coli. It belongs to a category of proteins called cytokines and is similar to the natural protein produced by the body. It is a leukocyte growth factor indicated to reduce infections in patients receiving anti-cancer drugs with bone marrow suppressive properties. By reducing the risk of infections, Pegfeel 6mg Injection can help cancer patients receive their full dose of chemotherapy on schedule, improving treatment outcomes.
This medication is also prescribed to increase the survival of patients exposed to radiotherapy. Patients who receive Pegfeel 6mg Injection may experience less fatigue, fewer days of fever and infection, and less time spent in the hospital. This can lead to an improved quality of life during cancer treatment. This can interfere with bone marrow function testing, such as aspiration and biopsy, and cause false-positive results. Patients should inform their healthcare provider that they receive Pegfeel 6mg Injection before undergoing any bone marrow function testing.
Uses of Pegfeel 6mg Injection
Pegfeel 6mg Injection is used in treating the following:
- Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia
- Chemotherapy-induced fever
- Chemotherapy-induced infections
Therapeutic Effects of Pegfeel 6mg Injection
The therapeutic effect of Pegfeel 6mg Injection is to stimulate the production of neutrophils in the bone marrow. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that help to fight infections. Chemotherapy drugs can cause damage to the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in the number of neutrophils, which can increase the risk of infections. So this medication works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce more neutrophils, which can help prevent infections in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This can reduce the risk of infections, hospitalizations, and other complications associated with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.
Interaction of Pegfeel 6mg Injection with other drugs
Inform your healthcare provider about all your medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Pegfeel 6mg Injection and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Pegfeel 6mg Injection
How to consume Pegfeel 6mg Injection
Pegfeel 6mg Injection is administered as an injection under the skin. The injection should be given in the abdomen (at least 2 inches away from the belly button), the front of the thighs, or the upper arm. It is usually administered once per chemotherapy cycle. The medication should be administered at least 24 hours after the last dose of chemotherapy to allow for proper bone marrow recovery.
Safety Advices for Pegfeel 6mg Injection
Pregnancy
Pegfeel 6mg Injection may harm the developing fetus, so it is unsafe to use it during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
It is unknown whether Pegfeel 6mg Injection is excreted in human milk. So breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking it.
Lungs
Pegfeel 6mg Injection may cause a side effect called interstitial lung disease (ILD), a serious lung condition that can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue. Patients with pre-existing lung disease may be at a higher risk of developing ILD while receiving this medicine.
Liver
If a patient with liver disease experiences symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, or dark urine while receiving Pegfeel 6mg Injection, they should notify their healthcare provider immediately.
Alcohol
Alcohol use can negatively affect the immune system, and patients receiving Pegfeel 6mg Injections may already have compromised immune systems due to their medical condition or treatment. Therefore, it is generally recommended that patients limit their alcohol consumption or avoid alcohol entirely while receiving it.
Driving
Patients should always monitor their response to the medication and be cautious when driving or operating machinery if they experience any side effects that may impair their ability to do so safely.
Side Effects of Pegfeel 6mg Injection
Like all medications, Pegfeel 6mg Injection causes some side effects, although not everyone will experience them.
Serious:
- Allergic reactions
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Splenic rupture
- Kidney damage
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
Common:
- Bone pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Injection site reactions
Word of Advice
Remember always to follow your healthcare provider's instructions when taking Pegfeel 6mg Injection or any medication. Patients should be monitored for signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or swelling, and should seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider. Be aware of potential side effects and notify your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual symptoms. It should be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should discuss potential risk and benefit with a healthcare provider before taking this medication. Always maintain a healthy and balanced diet to support your overall health and well-being.
FAQs
Q 1. Can I take this medicine if I have asthma?
If you have asthma or any other respiratory condition, it is important to discuss the use of Pegfeel 6mg Injection with your healthcare provider. While there is no specific contraindication for using this medication in patients with asthma, caution should be exercised as the medication may cause respiratory side effects such as shortness of breath or chest tightness.
Q 2. What are the side effects of Pegfeel 6mg Injection?
The most common side effects include bone pain, headache, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain. Less common side effects include allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, spleen rupture, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and glomerulonephritis.
Q 3. How Pegfeel 6mg Injection different from filgrastim?
Pegfeel 6mg Injection and filgrastim are both medications that stimulate the production of white blood cells. However, it is a longer-acting form of filgrastim so it can be given less frequently.
Q 4. Can Pegfeel 6mg Injection cause bone pain?
Bone pain is a known side effect of Pegfeel 6mg Injection and may be more common in patients who are receiving chemotherapy. If you experience bone pain while taking it, contact your healthcare provider.
Q 5. Can Pegfeel 6mg Injection be used to prevent infections in healthy individuals?
Pegfeel 6mg Injection is not approved for use in healthy individuals as a preventive measure against infections. It is only approved for use in patients at risk of developing infections due to their underlying medical condition or treatment.
Q 6. Can Pegfeel 6mg Injection be used to treat other medical conditions besides cancer?
Pegfeel 6mg Injection is primarily used to support patients undergoing cancer treatment by increasing their white blood cell count and reducing their risk of infections. However, it may also be used in other medical conditions where low white blood cell counts are a concern, such as severe chronic neutropenia.
Fact Box of Pegfeel 6mg Injection
Molecule name: Peglylated granulocyte colony-stimulating factor | Therapeutic class: Hematopoietic agents |
Pharmacological class: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) | Indications: 1. Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia 2. Chemotherapy-induced fever 3. Chemotherapy-induced infections |