White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are a class of cells that make up the blood which contribute to the immune system. There are five main classes of white blood cells, all of which have a unique structure and function within the blood. In immunodeficiency disorders or following chemotherapy, the number of functional white blood cells within the blood decreases, leaving the patient vulnerable to disease and infection. This condition is called neutropenia. A number of medicines have been developed to make white blood cells for the treatment of immunodeficiency.
Neupogen
Neupogen is a man-made protein that can be used to treat neutropedia, according to Amgen Inc, the biotechnology company that produces this drug. Neupogen is purified granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), a protein that stimulates the production of new white blood cells. The drug is grown in bacterial cells then purified for use in humans.
Neupogen must be injected once a day to be effective. Patients self-administer the shots, using pre-filled injection kits or using disposable needles. The stomach, arms, thighs or the sides of the hips can be used as injection sites. Neupogen has a few side effects, including enlarged or ruptured spleen, allergic reactions and lung problems.
Neulasta
Neulastia is a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor drug, according to manufacturer, Amgen. It is used to treat low white blood cell count in patients while undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. Since chemotherapy drugs are often toxic to normal cells as well as cancer cells, those undergoing chemotherapy often suffer from immunodeficiency and vulnerability to infection.
Neulastia stimulates the formation of new white blood cells to keep blood cell count high and boost the patient's immune system. One injection per cycle may be all that is required to protect against immunodeficiency following chemotherapy. The possible side effects of Neulasta are enlarged spleen, difficulty breathing, discomfort or pain and allergic reactions to the drug.
Granocyte
Granocyte is a form of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor which was developed by Chugai Pharmaceutical, a division of Roche. Granocyte features a form of G-CSF which has been glycosylated, a modification to the protein to more closely mimic how it would occur in human cells, which may make the drug more effective.
Granocyte is used as a way to boost white blood cell levels in patients undergoing chemotherapy. The patient is given a shot of Granocyte during the first cycle of chemotherapy, and further doses around once a week for the duration of the treatment. Some common side effects of Granocyte are joint pain, flu-like symptoms and skin rash.
