Pegcyte 6mg Injection
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, stimulating cell multiplication and activation of cell function.
Composition: Protein synthesized through biotechnology in E. coli bacteria. Belongs to the cytokine family of proteins and is similar to a natural protein produced by the body.
Indications:
- Decrease 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.
- Increase the survival rate in patients receiving radiation therapy that suppresses bone marrow activity.
Contraindications:
- Do not take if you are allergic to pegfilgrastim, filgrastim, or any other ingredients in the injection.
- 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.
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.
Administration:
- Administered subcutaneously by a qualified healthcare professional in a hospital setting.
- The dose and frequency of administration will be decided by your doctor based on your disease condition and other factors.
- If administered at home, read the "Instructions for use" carefully from the package insert.
Safety advice:
- Pregnancy: unsafe during pregnancy as it may cause birth defects.
- Breastfeeding: unsafe to breastfeed during treatment.
- Lungs: unknown if safe for patients with lung problems.
- Liver: unknown if safe for patients with liver disorders.
- Alcohol: unsafe to consume alcohol with Pegcyte 6mg Injection.
- Driving: unsafe to travel, drive vehicles, or operate heavy machinery after taking Pegcyte 6mg Injection.
Storage:
- 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.
FAQ:
- What is the difference between Pegcyte 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 Pegcyte 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 Pegcyte 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 Pegcyte 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 Pegcyte 6mg Injection? Pegcyte 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 Pegcyte 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 Pegcyte 6mg Injection? No, this injection secretes in small amounts in breast milk. Pegcyte 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