Pegfilgrastim (The James)

Pegfilgrastim (The James)

What is Pegfilgrastim and how does it work?

Pegfilgrastim is a medicine given to help your body make more white blood cells. Other names for this medicine are Neulasta, Fulphila, Ziextenzo, Nyvepria and Udenyca. White blood cells (WBCs) help your body fight infection. When you get chemotherapy, your WBC count can drop below normal. This is known as neutropenia. A low WBC increases your risk for infection. You may be given Pegfilgrastim after chemotherapy to help increase your WBC count, lower your risk for infection and help your WBCs recover in time for your next chemotherapy treatment.

How will my doctor decide if I need Pegfilgrastim?

To determine if you need this medicine and the amount, your doctor will review the following:

  • Your age
  • Your weight
  • The type of cancer you have
  • The type of chemotherapy treatment you are getting
  • The type of cancer treatments you have had in the past (chemotherapy or radiation)
  • Your most recent WBC count test results
  • How well your liver and kidneys are working
  • Other health problems you may have

How is this medicine given?

This medicine is a shot given just under the skin (subcutaneous injection). This shot is usually given in the belly, upper arm or thigh. You may get this shot in the clinic or you and your caregiver may be taught how to do this shot at home.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Bone pain is a common side effect with this medicine. The pain tends to be worse in the first 2-3 days after the injection but may last for 7 or more days. The bone pain may be worse with the first injection and may decrease with future injections. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about what you can take to help with this pain.
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Mild swelling in arms or legs

When to call my doctor?

Call your doctor right away and get medical care if you have:

  • Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • Swelling of your face, lips or throat
  • Hives or skin rash
  • Sever pain, blistering, redness or swelling at the injection site
  • Sudden pain on the left side of your belly

How do I store this medicine?

  • Store this medicine in the original container.
  • Keep this medicine refrigerated. Do not freeze.
  • It may be helpful to remove the medicine from the refrigerator 30 minutes before the shot is given.
  • Do not leave medicine in a hot place or in direct sunlight.
  • Use each prefilled syringe only 1 time.
  • Throw away all used needles and syringes in a sealable hard plastic container, such as an empty detergent bottle, sharps container or other metal container so that needles do not poke through. Once the container is full, close and tape the lid shut before you put it in the trash. Keep this container away from children and pets at all times.

Is there anything else I should know about this medicine?

  • A dose is normally given about 24 to 72 hours after chemotherapy. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will tell you when to take this medicine.
  • It is important to take the entire dose of this medicine.
  • Do not use this medicine if the expiration date on the label has passed.
  • Do not shake the medicine. If foaming happens, let the medicine sit for a few minutes until the foam goes away.

 

© February 17, 2021. The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or health care team if you have any questions about your care.

For more health information, call the Patient and Family Resource Center at 614-366-0602 or visit cancer.osu.edu/PFRC