Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Grastofil (Filgrastim).
Capillary leak syndrome (CLS): Grastofil (Filgrastim) has been reported to cause CLS, a condition where blood leaks out of the small blood vessels into the tissues of the body. If you experience symptoms of CLS, such as swelling or puffiness, decreased need to urinate, trouble breathing, swelling in the abdominal area, or a general feeling of tiredness, contact your doctor immediately. The symptoms often develop quickly and the severity of each episode is different. In severe episodes, CLS can be fatal.
Chronic use: When used for long periods of time, Grastofil (Filgrastim) may increase the risk of myelodysplasia (bone marrow disorders) and certain types of leukemia. It is not known if this increased risk is directly related to Grastofil (Filgrastim) or to the conditions Grastofil (Filgrastim) is being used to treat. If you are receiving long-term treatment with Grastofil (Filgrastim), your doctor will monitor your blood regularly and check your bone marrow annually.
Cytotoxic chemotherapy: The safety of using Grastofil (Filgrastim) at the same time as cytotoxic chemotherapy (a type of chemotherapy that kills cells, especially cancer cells) has not been established. Grastofil (Filgrastim) should not be used within 24 hours before or 24 hours after chemotherapy is administered.
Heart conditions: Heart-related conditions such as heart attacks and abnormal heart rhythms have been observed in rare cases with Grastofil (Filgrastim). If you have a heart condition before starting Grastofil (Filgrastim), discuss with your doctor how Grastofil (Filgrastim) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Grastofil (Filgrastim), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Lung problems: Grastofil (Filgrastim) may cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a serious lung condition. It is thought that this is caused by the movement of white blood cells to an area of the lung that is inflamed, as a result of infection. If you experience difficulty breathing, fever, or coughing blood while using Grastofil (Filgrastim), contact your doctor immediately.
Osteoporosis: Long-term use of Grastofil (Filgrastim) may increase the risk of osteoporosis in some people. If you have osteoporosis or chronic neutropenia, discuss with your doctor how Grastofil (Filgrastim) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Grastofil (Filgrastim), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to check your bone density regularly while you are receiving Grastofil (Filgrastim).
Sickle cell disease: Grastofil (Filgrastim) may cause sickle cell crisis when used by people who have sickle cell disease. You and your doctor should carefully consider the benefits and risks of using Grastofil (Filgrastim) in these circumstances if you have sickle cell disease.
Splenic rupture: Using Grastofil (Filgrastim) can cause the spleen to enlarge and in some cases rupture, causing internal bleeding. A ruptured spleen is a medical emergency. Symptoms of a ruptured spleen include pain on the left side of the abdomen, under the rib cage, or pain at the tip of your left shoulder. Other symptoms include symptoms of shock, including lightheadedness or fainting, blurred vision, confusion, anxiety, nausea, or paleness. If you experience any of these, seek immediate medical help.
Pregnancy: Grastofil (Filgrastim) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Grastofil (Filgrastim), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known whether Grastofil (Filgrastim) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Grastofil (Filgrastim), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Grastofil (Filgrastim) have not been established for newborn babies.