Helpful Resources
Neulasta® Product Information Sheet
Read about how Neulasta® may help support your body’s natural defenses during strong chemotherapy. Download and print the Neulasta® Product Information Sheet, which is available in multiple languages.
of the United States.
Helpful Links During Chemo Treatment
You are not alone in your fight against cancer. In addition to your healthcare team, family, and friends, you can reach out to the organizations listed below for information and support during chemotherapyChemotherapy—The use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. A person on chemotherapy may take one drug or a combination of drugs. Most often these drugs are given by vein using intravenous (IV) infusion. Some can be taken by mouth or given as a shot..
When using any of these resources, look over any information you receive carefully, so that you can understand how and whether it applies to your specific support needs. Always consult your doctor if you have any specific questions or experience any chemotherapy side effectsSide effect—Any undesired actions or effects of a drug or treatment. For example, common side effects of chemotherapy include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite..
American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Promotes cancer research, education, communication, and collaboration.
Phone: 215-440-9300 or toll-free 1-866-423-3965
www.aacr.org
American Cancer Society® (ACS)
News, information, and support.
Phone (toll-free): 1-800-227-2345
www.cancer.org
American Society of Clinical Oncology® (ASCO)
Professional association for doctors.
Phone: 571-483-1300 or toll-free 1-888-282-2552
www.asco.org
CancerCare®
National nonprofit agency offering support services to people affected by cancer.
Phone (toll-free): 1-800-813-HOPE (1-800-813-4673)
www.cancercare.org
Cancer Hope Network
Support for cancer patients and their families.
Phone (toll-free): 1-800-552-4366
www.cancerhopenetwork.org
Cancer Support Community
Support community for people living with cancer.
Phone: 202-659-9709
www.thewellnesscommunity.org
Cancervive
Support, public education and advocacy for cancer survivors.
www.cancervive.org
Cancer Wellness Center
Resources on coping, wellness practices, and nutrition.
www.cancerwellness.org
National Cancer Institute
Information from the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
Phone (toll-free): 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
www.cancer.gov
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS)
Survivor-led advocacy organization.
Phone: 301-650-9127 or toll-free 1-888-650-9127
www.canceradvocacy.org
National Comprehensive Cancer Network®
Cancer treatment guidelines for patients.
Phone: 215-690-0300
www.nccn.com
National Patient Advocate Foundation
Promotes regulatory and legislative reform impacting access to, and reimbursement for, healthcare.
Phone: 202-347-8009
www.npaf.org
Indication
Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) is a prescription medication used to reduce the risk of infection (initially marked by fever) in patients with some tumors receiving strong chemotherapy that decreases the number of infection-fighting white blood cells.
Important Safety Information
Who should not take Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim)?
Do not take Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) if you have had an allergic reaction to Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) or to NEUPOGEN® (Filgrastim).
What should I tell my health care provider before taking Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim)?
If you have a sickle cell disorder, make sure your doctor knows about it before using Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim).
- Spleen Rupture. Your spleen may become enlarged and can rupture while taking Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim). A ruptured spleen can cause death. The spleen is located in the upper left section of your stomach area. Call your doctor right away if you have pain in the left upper stomach area or left shoulder tip area. This pain could mean your spleen is enlarged or ruptured.
- A serious lung problem called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Call your doctor or seek emergency care right away if you have shortness of breath, trouble breathing, or a fast rate of breathing.
- Serious Allergic Reactions. Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) can cause serious allergic reactions. These reactions can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, swelling around the mouth or eyes, fast pulse, sweating, and hives. If you start to have any of these symptoms, call your doctor or seek emergency care right away. If you have an allergic reaction during the injection of Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim), stop the injection. Call your doctor right away.
- Sickle Cell Crises. You may have a serious sickle cell crisis if you have a sickle cell disorder and take Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim). Serious and sometimes fatal sickle cell crises can occur in patients with sickle cell disorders receiving Filgrastim, a medicine similar to Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim). Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of sickle cell crisis such as pain or difficulty breathing.
What are the most common side effects of Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim)?
The most common side effect you may experience is aching in the bones and muscles. If this happens, it can usually be relieved with a
nonaspirin pain reliever, such as acetaminophen.
- Occasionally pain and redness may occur at the injection site. If there is a lump, swelling, or bruising at the injection site that does not go away, talk to the doctor.
- Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) should only be injected on the day the doctor has determined and should not be injected until approximately 24 hours after receiving chemotherapy.
- The needle cover on the single-use prefilled syringe contains dry natural rubber (latex), which should not be handled by persons sensitive to this substance.
If you have any questions about this information, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, please see the Neulasta® Patient Product Information and Prescribing Information.
