Belongs to the class of granulocyte colony-stimulated factor.
Approved by the FDA to decrease the risk of developing febrile neutropenia and the duration of neutropenia when receiving bone marrow-suppressive chemotherapy drugs.
Indicated to increase survival rate in patients exposed to radiation therapy.
Uses:
Decreases the chance of infection caused by low levels of white blood cells in patients with certain types of cancer receiving bone marrow-suppressing anti-cancer drugs.
Increases the survival rate in patients receiving radiation therapy that suppresses bone marrow activity.
Mechanism of Action:
Acts on blood-forming cells, stimulating cell multiplication and cell function activation.
Pegfilgrastim is a protein synthesized through biotechnology in E. coli bacteria.
Important Information:
Inform your physician if you have liver disease, fever or infection, kidney problems, heart problems, or a family history of kidney diseases before starting treatment.
Do not take if you are allergic to pegfilgrastim, filgrastim, or any other ingredients in the injection.
Report any symptoms of left upper abdominal pain, shoulder pain, and respiratory problems immediately to your doctor.
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 the aorta, capillary leak syndrome, hypersensitivity reactions, changes in urine color, swelling in hands, feet, face, and abdomen, difficulty in breathing, sickle cell anemia.
Safety Advice:
Pregnancy: unsafe during pregnancy as it may cause birth defects.
Breastfeeding: unsafe to breastfeed during treatment.
Lungs: consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases.
Liver: consult your doctor if you have any liver problems.
Alcohol: unsafe to consume alcohol with Peg Religrast 6mg Injection.
Driving: unsafe to travel, drive vehicles or operate heavy machinery after taking the injection (1 hour).
Administration:
Administered subcutaneously by a qualified healthcare professional in a hospital setting.
If administered at home, read the "Instructions for use" carefully from the package insert.
Do not administer if you have not been trained and are not sure about the administration procedure.
FAQs:
What is the difference between Peg Religrast 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 Peg Religrast 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 Peg Religrast 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 Peg Religrast 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 Peg Religrast 6mg Injection?
Peg Religrast 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 Peg Religrast 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 Peg Religrast 6mg Injection?
No, this injection secretes in small amounts in breast milk. Peg Religrast 6mg Injection can cause harm to your baby. Please consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.