This medicine is a hematopoietic agent used to decrease the risk of infection in certain patients, including cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. This medicine is sometimes used at home as an injection. Before using this medicine, a health care professional will provide detailed instructions for its appropriate use. Ask any questions that you may have about this medicine or giving injections. DO NOT SHAKE this medicine. Shaking may damage this medicine. If the vial or syringe has been shaken, the solution may appear foamy and it should not be used. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if it is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles; or if the vial or syringe is cracked or damaged. Use only disposable syringes and needles. Use the syringes and needles only once and dispose of them in a puncture-proof container as instructed by your health care provider. CHOOSE A NEW SITE EACH TIME you inject this medicine. Do not inject into an area that is tender, red, bruised, hard, swollen, or has scars or stretch marks. DISCARD any unused portion of medicine left in the vial or syringe. This medicine works best if taken at the same time each day. IF YOU USE THIS MEDICINE BECAUSE YOU ALSO RECEIVE CHEMOTHERAPY, the last dose of this medicine should be used at least 24 hours before your next dose of chemotherapy. STORE THIS MEDICINE in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. If accidentally frozen, allow the medicine to thaw at room temperature. If frozen more than once, the medicine should be thrown away. If this medicine is left at room temperature for more than 24 hours, it should be discarded. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. CONTINUE TO USE this medicine for the full course of treatment. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, contact your doctor immediately.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking lithium. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including leukemia, other blood disorders (eg, myelodysplastic syndrome), an infection of the blood or tissue, sickle cell disease, allergies, pregnancy or if you think you may be pregnant, or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include bone or muscle pain or ache, headache, nausea, nosebleed, or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; coughing up blood; dark, tarry, or bloody stools; dizziness; fainting; fast breathing; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; left shoulder tip pain; left upper stomach pain; lump, swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site; severe or persistent headache; severe or persistent tiredness or weakness; shortness of breath; sudden, increased sweating; swelling or soreness of the mouth or tongue; unusual bruising or bleeding; or wheezing. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when it is full. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.