Chemo Drugs

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Neupogen (G-CSF)

What Does It Look Like?

Clear liquid

How Is It Given?

Subcutaneous Injection (just underneath the skin into fatty areas)

Why Am I Taking It?

Neupogen is used to stimulate your body to make more white blood cells to prevent or reduce your risk of infection while you are being treated with anti cancer medications.

What Side Effects May Occur?

• Mild bone pain, usually in the lower back or pelvis about the time the white blood cells start to form in your bone marrow.
• Less commonly the bone pain may be in your arms or legs.
• This pain is usually mild and lasts only a few days. Your doctor will probably prescribe a mild pain killer for you to take during that time. If that pain killer is not strong enough, talk with your doctor or nurse about using something different to make you more comfortable.
• Redness or pain at the site of injection. Call your doctor if this occurs.
• May cause the platelets, or part of your blood that forms clots, to be lower. Call your doctor if you notice any bleeding, that doesn't stop, coming from your gums, injection sites, or in your stools or urine.

How Do I Take This Medication?

• If you are injecting this medicine yourself, use it exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it, and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. The exact amount of medicine you need has been carefully worked out. Using too much will increase the risk of side effects, while using too little may not improve your condition.
• If you miss a dose, check with your doctor.
• Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.