Filgrastim
Brand Names
Neupogen (There may be other brand names for this medication)
How is Filgrastim Administered?
Your medicine may injected under the skin (subcutaneously) or into a vein (intravenous or IV).
What is Filgrastim Used For?
This drug is used to help the growth, function, and maturation of certain white blood cells (neutrophils) that help fight infection in your body.
How Does it Work?
Filgrastim is a type of biologic response modifier, specifically a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor or G-CSF. Blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, the spongy center inside many of your bones. White blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), and platelets are made and then travel through your body to fight infection (WBCs); carry oxygen and remove waste products (RBCs); and help blood to clot (platelets).
Side effects of radiation and many chemotherapy drugs can damage your bone marrow (temporarily) and decrease production of these blood cells. Therefore, people receiving some cancer therapies can be more susceptible to infection, fatigue, and bleeding problems. G-Cafés are made to stimulate your bone marrow to produce more white blood cells, specifically, granulocyte/neutrophils, and help reduce your risk for infection.
