Introduction to Frastim 300mcg Injection
Frastim 300mcg injection contains the active constituent filgrastim. It is a white blood cell growth factor (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor) approved by the FDA to decrease the risk of developing febrile neutropenia ( occurrence of fever or infection associated with low WBC count) and to reduce the duration of neutropenia (low white blood cell count) in people who have non-myeloid cancer and are receiving chemotherapy drugs. It is also used to increase the number of WBC and decrease the length of time of fever in people with acute myeloid leukemia.
It is also used in people undergoing bone marrow transplants and in people with severe chronic neutropenia (low number of neutrophils in the blood). Frastim 300mcg injection is also used to prepare the blood for leukapheresis (a treatment in which certain blood cells are removed from the blood). It is also indicated to increase the chance of survival in people exposed to harmful amounts of radiation, which can cause severe damage to the bone marrow. Other uses include in patients with advanced HIV infection, which will help to reduce the risk of infections.
Frastim 300mcg injection belongs to the class of medications called colony-stimulating factors. They work by helping the body to produce more White blood cells. WBC are important because they help your body fight infection. These cells are highly sensitive to the effects of chemotherapy, which might cause a decrease in the number. If your WBC decreases, your body may not have enough cells to combat bacteria, putting you at risk of infection. Inform your physician if you have or had liver disease, kidney problems, sickle cell anemia, or bone disease. Common side effects include fever, pain, rash, cough, shortness of breath, and nosebleed.
Therapeutic Effects of Frastim 300mcg Injection
Frastim 300mcg injection is a colony-stimulating factor that acts on blood-forming cells by binding to specific cell surface receptors, thereby inducing cell division, multiplication, and cell functional activation.
Interaction of Frastim 300mcg Injection with other drugs
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Frastim 300mcg injection and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Frastim 300mcg Injection
- Store Frastim 300mcg injection in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Do not freeze.
- Do not shake the pre-filled syringe.
- Discard the medicine if stored at room temperature for more than 48 hours.
- Keep it out of reach from children and pets.
- It is important to get the dose at the scheduled time. If you missed the schedule, contact your doctor immediately for advice.
How to consume Frastim 300mcg Injection
Frastim 300mcg injection is available as a prefilled syringe. A qualified healthcare professional will administer the injection in the fatty tissues just under your skin (subcutaneously) or it will be administered as an intravenous injection into your vein slowly. The dose, route of administration, and frequency will be decided by your doctor based on your disease condition and other factors.
If your physician decides that you or your caregiver can administer the Frastim 300mcg injection at home, then read the “Instructions for use” carefully from the package insert with the medicine. Your doctor or other healthcare professionals will train you on self-administration. Do not administer the medicine if you have not been trained and are not sure about the administration procedure.
Safety Advices for Frastim 300mcg Injection
Pregnancy
Frastim 300mcg injection is unsafe when administered during pregnancy because it may cause birth defects in your baby. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy during the treatment.
Breast Feeding
It is unsafe to breastfeed during the treatment with this Frastim 300mcg injection because it may cause harm to the baby. Please consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Lungs
It is unknown whether Frastim 300mcg injection can be administered to patients with lung problems. Consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases before starting the treatment.
Liver
It is unknown whether Frastim 300mcg injection can be administered in patients with liver disorders. Inform your physician if you have any liver problems before starting treatment with this Injection.
Alcohol
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Frastim 300mcg injection. Please consult your doctor for more advice.
Driving
It is unsafe to travel, drive vehicles, or operate heavy machinery after taking (1 hour) Frastim 300mcg injection. Please consult your doctor.
Side Effects of Frastim 300mcg Injection
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Common
- Pain in the bones, joints, and muscles
- Pain at the site of Injection
- Fever
- Itchiness and skin rash
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness and tiredness
- Nose bleeding
- Hair fall
Serious
- Inflammation of Aorta
- Capillary leak syndrome (plasma leaks out of tiny blood vessels)
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Changes in urine color
- Swelling in hands, feet, face, and abdomen
- Difficulty in breathing
- Sickle cell anemia