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 this medication.
Capillary leak syndrome (CLS): Neupogen (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, Neupogen (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 Neupogen (Filgrastim) or to the conditions Neupogen (Filgrastim) is being used to treat. If you are receiving long-term treatment with Neupogen (Filgrastim), your doctor will monitor your blood regularly and check your bone marrow annually.
Cytotoxic chemotherapy: The safety of using Neupogen (Filgrastim) at the same time as cytotoxic chemotherapy (a type of chemotherapy that kills cells, especially cancer cells) has not been established. Neupogen (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 Neupogen (Filgrastim). If you have had a heart condition before starting Neupogen (Filgrastim), discuss with your doctor how Neupogen (Filgrastim) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Neupogen (Filgrastim), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Lung problems: Neupogen (Filgrastim) may cause adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a serious lung condition, when people with neutropenia have a bacterial infection in the blood. If you experience difficulty breathing, fever or coughing blood while using Neupogen (Filgrastim), contact your doctor immediately.
Osteoporosis: Long-term use of Neupogen (Filgrastim) may increase the risk of osteoporosis in some people. If you have chronic neutropenia or have osteoporosis, discuss with your doctor how Neupogen (Filgrastim) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Neupogen (Filgrastim), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Your doctor may want to check your bone density regularly while you are receiving Neupogen (Filgrastim).
Sickle cell disease: Neupogen (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 Neupogen (Filgrastim) in these circumstances if you have sickle cell disease.
Pregnancy: Neupogen (Filgrastim) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Neupogen (Filgrastim), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known whether Neupogen (Filgrastim) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Neupogen (Filgrastim), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Neupogen (Filgrastim) have not been established for newborn babies.