Neulasta, or pegfilgrastim, is an injectable drug known as a colony stimulating factor, according to drugs.com. It is made from a protein that helps stimulate the bone marrow to help an individual's immune system fight infection during cancer treatment. Although it is initially given by a professional, Neulasta may be self-administered after proper instructions have been given.
Function
During chemotherapy, white blood cell counts often fall because the drugs kill fast-growing cells, including healthy red and white blood cells. A low white blood cell count, also called neutropenia, can be dangerous because it increases an individuals' risk of infection. If a patient receiving chemotherapy has neutropenia, chemotherapy is delayed until the individual is healthier, thus interfering with effective treatment. Neulasta helps boost the patient's white blood cell count and helps the body fight infection during cancer treatment, says neulasta.com.
Prior to Injection
Prior to administering Neulasta, the syringe should be visually inspected for any discoloration and particulate matter, says rxlist.com. The solution is typically a clear, colorless, particulate-free liquid; if any color or particles are seen, the solution should not be used.
Administration
According to drugs.com, Neulasta is injected under the skin by a health care provider from a pre-filled syringe. Occasionally, providers will teach patients how to self-administer the injection and how to dispose of used syringes and needles. This medication is typically given 24 hours after a chemotherapy treatment, and drugs.com specifies that Neulasta should not be administered in the 14 days before a chemotherapy treatment or in the first 24 hours directly after a treatment.
Storage of the Medication
Neulasta should be refrigerated and stored away from light. The medication should not be frozen, says drugs.com, but if it does freeze, it should be thawed in the refrigerator and used later. If it freezes again, the medication should be disposed of and not used. Prior to administering the drug, it may be thawed to room temperature for up to 48 hours prior to injection, according to drugs.com, but it should be kept away from light. If it has been non-refrigerated for more than 48 hours, it should be thrown away and not used.
Side Effects
Once injected, side effects of Neulasta, as listed by drugs.com includes muscle or bone pain, temporary hair loss, nausea or vomiting, constipation, appetite loss, fatigue, insomnia and headache. Allergic reactions that should be reported to a health care professional immediately include rapid breathing or shortness of breath, mouth or lip sores, sudden pain in the left upper stomach that spreads to the shoulder and swelling in the feet or ankles. Not everyone experiences all side effects, and talking to the prescribing physician about how to minimize side effects can be helpful prior to starting the medication.
