Neulasta (pegfilgrastrim) is a medication used to treat neutropenia, a condition of reduced neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) which makes you susceptible to infection. According to MedlinePlus, Neulasta belongs to a class of drugs called colony stimulating factors. It works to increase the production of neutrophils in your body. Typically, Neulasta is given as a 6mg subcutaneous (beneath the skin) injection with your scheduled chemotherapy treatments, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Common Side Effects
In a placebo-controlled study of 467 patients receiving Neulasta, the National Library of Medicine says that 48 percent experienced alopecia (hair loss), 31 percent developed bone pain, 29 percent had diarrhea, 22 percent developed pyrexia (fever) and 21 percent had myalgia (muscle pain). Additionally, 16 percent developed a headache and arthralgia (joint pain) while 13 percent experienced vomiting and asthenia (weakness). Neulasta can also caused peripheral edema (swelling of your arms or legs) in 12 percent of patients and constipation in 10 percent of the studied patients. These side effects are not life-threatening and are typical side effects for a colony stimulating drug.
Serious Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Neulasta can cause such potentially fatal side effects as trouble breathing and wheezing. The National Library of Medicine says that Neulasta may even lead to rupturing of your spleen and death. It can also cause mouth sores, white patches in your mouth, stomach pain, body aches, the flu, diarrhea, skin rash and swelling, bruising, itching or a lump at the injection site. Inform your doctor immediately if these side effects develop.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Neulasta if you are hypersensitive to pegfilgrastim. It may lead to trouble breathing, hives or swelling of your face, tongue or throat.
The National Library of Medicine says that Neulasta can also cause a sickle cell crisis if you suffer from sickle cell disease. This is a condition in which the red blood cells in your vessels develop a sickled shape and clog the vessels in your body. This can lead to excruciating bone pain, fever, bleeding and infections.
It is unclear whether Neulasta can affect your baby during pregnancy and nursing. Inform your doctor if you are either breastfeeding or pregnant.
Drugs.com says that you should tell your doctor if you are taking lithium. Neulasta can interact with lithium and cause the aforementioned side effects.
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