| Generic name | Pegfilgrastim |
| Pronunciation | peg-fil-GRA-stim |
| Brand name(s), other common name(s) | Neulasta®, G-CSF |
| Biosimilar* name | Pegfilgrastim-jmdb (FulphilaTM), Pegfilgrastim-cbqv (UdenycaTM), Pegfilgrastim-bmez (ZiextenzoTM) |
| Drug type | Growth factor |
| How the drug is given | Subcutaneous (SC) injection or intravenously (IV); subcutaneously via the On-body Injector which is co-packaged with a single prefilled syringe |
Indications and Usage
Pegfilgrastim is FDA approved to
- Decrease the incidence of infection, as manifested by febrile neutropenia, in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive anti-cancer drugs associated with a clinically significant incidence of febrile neutropenia.
- Increase survival in patients acutely exposed to myelosuppressive doses of radiation (Hematopoietic Subsyndrome of Acute Radiation Syndrome).
Limitations of Use: Pegfilgrastim is not indicated for the mobilization of peripheral blood progenitor cells for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Side effects needing medical attention
Pain in the bones, arms, and legs; spleen rupture; Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS); allergic reactions such as rash, shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, swelling around your mouth or eyes, fast heart rate, and sweating; sickle cell crisis; kidney injury; increased white blood cell count (leukocytosis); and Capillary Leak Syndrome.
*A biosimilar is a biological product that is highly similar to and has no clinically meaningful differences from an existing FDA-approved reference product. Click here for more information.
For information on how to manage the costs of drug therapy, please see Financial Support, or to speak with an Information Specialist, call (800) 955-4572.