Pegex 6mg Injection contains the active ingredient Pegfilgrastim. It belongs to the class granulocyte colony stimulated factor approved by FDA 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 bonemarrow suppressive chemotherapy drugs. It is also indicated to increase survival rate in patients exposed to radiation therapy which can cause severe and life-threatening damage to bone marrow. It acts on blood-forming cells, thereby stimulating cell multiplication and cell function activation.
Pegfilgrastim is a protein synthesized through biotechnology in E. coli bacteria. It belongs to the cytokine family of proteins and is very similar to a natural protein (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor) produced by your body. White blood cells (WBC) are important because they help your body fight infection. These cells are highly sensitive to the effects of chemotherapy, which might cause a decrease in the number. If your WBC decreases, your body may not have enough cells to combat bacteria, putting you at risk of infection.
Inform your physician if you have or ever had liver disease, fever or infection, kidney problems, heart problems, or a family history of kidney diseases before starting the treatment with this Injection. Do not take this Injection if you are allergic to pegfilgrastim. Filgrastim or any of the other ingredients in this Injection. Report any symptoms of left upper abdominal pain, shoulder pain, and respiratory problems immediately to your doctor. The most common side effects of Pegex 6mg injection are pain in the bones, arms, and legs.
Uses of Pegex 6mg InjectionPegex 6mg is a prescription Injection, and it is used to treat - Decrease the chance of infection caused by low levels of white blood cells in patients with certain types of cancer (non-myeloid) receiving bonemarrow suppressing anti-cancer drugs.
- To increase the survival rate in patients receiving radiation therapy that suppresses bone marrow activity.
Therapeutic Effects of Pegex 6mg Injection
Pegex 6mg Injection is a colony-stimulating factor that exerts its action by acting on blood-forming cells by binding to specific cell surface receptors, thereby inducing cell division, multiplication, and cell functional activation. Interaction of Pegex 6mg Injection with other drugsInform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Pegex 6mg Injection and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. More Information about Pegex 6mg Injection Store Pegex 6mg Injection in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Do not freeze.Do not shake this InjectionDiscard the Injection if it has been stored at room temperature for more than 48 hours.Keep it out of reach from children and pets.It is important to get the dose at the scheduled time. If you missed the schedule, contact your doctor immediately for advice.How to consume Pegex 6mg InjectionThe Injection will be administered in the fatty tissues just under your skin (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 your physician decides that Pegex 6mg Injection can be administered at home by you or your caregiver, then read the “Instructions for use” carefully from the package insert that comes with the Injection. Your doctor or other healthcare professionals will train you on self-administration. Do not administer the Injection if you have not been trained and not sure about the administration procedure.
Safety Advices for Pegex 6mg Injection
Pregnancy
Pegex 6mg Injection is unsafe when administered during pregnancy because it may cause birth defects in your baby. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy during the treatment.
Breast Feeding
It is unsafe to breastfeed during the treatment with this Pegex 6mg Injection because it may cause harm to the baby. Please consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Lungs
It is unknown whether Pegex 6mg Injection can be administered to patients with lung problems. Consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases before starting the treatment.
Liver
It is unknown whether Pegex 6mg Injection can be administered in patients with liver disorders. Inform your physician if you have any liver problems before starting treatment with this Injection.
Alcohol
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Pegex 6mg Injection. Please consult your doctor for more advice.
Driving
It is unsafe to travel, drive vehicles or operate heavy machinery after taking (1 hour) Pegex 6mg Injection. Please consult your doctor.
Side Effects of Pegex 6mg InjectionSide effects are unwanted symptoms caused by Injections. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them. 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 (plasma leaks out of tiny blood vessels)
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Changes in urine color
- Swelling in hands, feet, face, and abdomen
- Difficulty in breathing
- Sickle cell anemia
Word of AdviceInform 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. Pegex 6mg Injection is a dose-based injection, and it should not be administered in patients weighing less than 45kg from a pre-filled syringe. Read the package insert carefully if you are self-administering the Injection. This Injection may cause lung, liver or kidney problems. Your physician may advise you to take laboratory tests regularly to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy.FAQs Q 1. What is the difference between Pegex 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 Pegex 6mg Injection medicine, and it should be injected by your healthcare provider or you manually.
Q 2. What are the symptoms that I should notify the physician when taking Pegex 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.
Q 3. What is the Pegex 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.
Q 4. Who should not take Pegex 6mg Injection?Pegex 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.
Q 5. Will Pegex 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.
Q 6. Can I breastfeed while taking Pegex 6mg Injection?No, This Injection secretes in small amounts in breast milk. Pegex 6mg Injection can cause harm to your baby. Please consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Fact Box of Pegex 6mg InjectionMolecule name: Pegfilgrastim | Therapeutic class: Hematopoietic |
Pharmacological class: colony-stimulating factors | Indications: Febrile neutropenia |
