Chemotherapy (also known as chemo) works by killing fast-growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, chemotherapy drugs can’t always tell the difference between cancer cells and fast-growing healthy cells, including red and white blood cells. As a result, one of the most serious potential side effects of many types of chemotherapy drugs is a low white blood cell count.
1,4,5Chemo that causes this side effect is described as myelosuppressive (my-eh-low-suh-PRESS-iv), because it suppresses your production of white blood cells. A low white blood cell count—also known as neutropenia (new-tro-pee-nee-uh)—can put some patients at risk for severe infections and may interrupt
chemo treatment.1-3 In fact, complications
associated with a low white blood cell count are the most common causes of dose reductions or delays in
chemotherapy.6-8 Neulasta® is a white blood cell booster to support your natural defenses and help reduce the risk of infection in patients with some tumors receiving strong chemotherapy.
The fewer number of white blood cells you have and the longer you remain without enough, the more at risk you become for developing a potentially life-threatening infection, potentially resulting in hospitalization and administration of IV antibiotic therapy.9
Therefore, your doctor may need to delay chemo treatment or reduce your chemotherapy dose until your white blood cell count increases and the possibility of infection is reduced.
Your doctor has carefully determined your chemotherapy dose and schedule to ensure that you have the best opportunity for a successful outcome. Delays and dose reductions can make your chemotherapy less effective—studies show that for certain types of cancer, chemotherapy produces the best long-term results when patients receive the full dose on time, every time.3,8,10-13
A low white blood cell count can interrupt
chemotherapy
Healthy vs. Neutropenic Immune System
Normal:
White blood cells are a key part of your natural defenses, your immune system. At normal levels, white blood cells help protect your body against infection.
Neutropenic:
Chemotherapy can reduce your white blood cell count. A low white blood cell count means your immune system isn’t as strong as it could be and you are at increased risk of infection and interruptions in your chemotherapy.
For further information about low white blood cell counts,
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