Can I have a shower while taking Neulasta?
The Neulasta on-body injector needs to be dry for at least 3 hours before the dose of Neulasta is due to start. If you are going to have a shower it is important to have your shower at a time that will allow the on-body injector to air dry naturally.
Can I have a shower with a Neulasta on-body injector (Obi)?
Yes, you can have a short shower with a Neulasta on-body injector (OBI) in place on your skin. avoid getting body lotions, creams, oils near or on the on-body injector as these products may loosen the adhesive. You should avoid using bath tubs, hot tubs, whirlpools, or saunas.
What is an on-body injector for Neulasta?
On-body Injector for Neulasta Description INFO The on -body injector for Neulasta is intended for delivery of Neulasta. This on delivers Neulasta with an injection under-the-skin (subcutaneous). See the Patient Information that comes with your on-body injector for important information.
How is Neulasta administered?
This on delivers Neulasta with an injection under-the-skin (subcutaneous). See the Patient Information that comes with your on-body injector for important information. Your healthcare provider will use a prefilled syringe with Neulasta to fill the on -body injector prior to applying it.
When do I take the Neulasta patch off?
Bottom line: The Neulasta on-body injector (OBI) should be removed when the dose has been completely delivered, you should hear a long beep, the status light should be a solid green or switched off. Remove the on-body injector by grasping the edge of the adhesive pad and slowly peel it away from the skin.
How long does Neulasta stay in the body?
In general, after one injection, Neulasta is completely eliminated from your system within 14 days.
Does Neulasta shot make you tired?
No, Neulasta isn't expected to make you tired or cause fatigue (lack of energy). But fatigue can be a symptom of capillary leak syndrome. This is a rare but serious side effect of Neulasta that involves tiny blood vessels leaking.
How many days does it take for Neulasta to work?
Neulasta begins working shortly after it's given. Its peak (strongest) effect occurs around 16 hours to 5 days after you receive a dose. Studies show that it may take 1 to 2 weeks for your neutrophil level to return to normal after starting Neulasta treatment.
Where is Neulasta pain felt?
Inflammation of the aorta (aortitis). Symptoms may include fever, abdominal pain, feeling tired, and back pain. Call your healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms. The most common side effect of Neulasta is pain in your bones, and in your arms, and legs.
How long does it take for white blood cells to return to normal after chemo?
This is because your bone marrow restarts normal production of neutrophils. But it may take 3 to 4 weeks to reach a normal level again. When your neutrophil level returns to normal, you are ready for the next round of chemotherapy.
What helps bone pain from Neulasta?
Your doctor may prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or naproxen to treat bone pain caused by Neulasta. Neulasta helps the body make more white blood cells by stimulating the immune system, which also creates histamines.
Does Neulasta make your back hurt?
Inflammation of the aorta (the large blood vessel which transports blood from the heart to the body) has been reported in patients who received Neulasta. Symptoms may include fever, abdominal pain, feeling tired, and back pain. Call your healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms.
What does Neulasta do to your body?
Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) is a colony-stimulating factor, a man-made form of a protein that stimulates the growth of white blood cells, used to decrease the incidence of infection, by treating neutropenia, a lack of certain white blood cells caused by receiving cancer chemotherapy.
Why do chemo patients take Claritin?
We sometimes use loratadine (Claritin) to treat bone pain in patients receiving white blood cell growth factors. How does this work? White blood cell growth factors are used in the prevention and treatment of febrile neutropenia in patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
Why does Claritin help with bone pain?
Claritin is an antihistamine that blocks histamine, so decreases the amount of inflammation and swelling in the bone marrow and therefore reduces the pain.
How much does Neulasta cost without insurance?
As of 08/18/2021 the list price for Neulasta® is $6,417.99† per dose. Neulasta® is a single dose administered once per chemotherapy cycle. Most patients do not pay the list price.
How long does it take for Neupogen to get out of your system?
There is little information available from reliable sources about how long Neulasta side effects last. Neulasta is a long lasting medicine, with peak levels achieved 24 hours after injection, levels drop considerably over the first 7 days and after 14 days there is only a small amount remaining in the body.
What does Neulasta do to your body?
Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) is a colony-stimulating factor, a man-made form of a protein that stimulates the growth of white blood cells, used to decrease the incidence of infection, by treating neutropenia, a lack of certain white blood cells caused by receiving cancer chemotherapy.
Why does Claritin help with Neulasta?
The reason why Claritin (loratadine) is taken with Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) is to reduce bone pain, which is a very common side effect of Neulasta.
What is the half life of Neulasta?
The half-life of Neulasta ranged from 15 to 80 hours after subcutaneous injection. In healthy volunteers, the pharmacokinetics of pegfilgrastim were comparable when delivered subcutaneously via a manual prefilled syringe versus via the On-body Injector for Neulasta.
What to do if a patient misses a dose of Neulasta?
If a patient misses a dose due to an OBI for Neulasta failure or leakage, administer a new dose by single-dose prefilled syringe for manual use, as soon as possible after detection.
What temperature should Neulasta be exposed to?
Do not expose the OBI for Neulasta to temperatures below 41°F (5°C) or above 104°F (40°C).
What is the name of the drug that is used to treat neutropenia?
Neulasta is a brand (trade) name for pegfilgrastim which may be used to prevent neutropenia. The actual active ingredient in Neulasta is filgrastim, but this has been 'pegylated' (attached to a chemical called polyethylene glycol) which slows down the removal of filgrastim from the body, allowing it to be given less frequently. This is why it is called pegfilgrastim.
How long does it take for Neulasta to drop?
The length of time side effects last varies. Peak levels of Neulasta are reached 24 hours after injection, then levels drop considerably over the first 7 days and after 14 days there is only a small amount remaining in the body. Side effects are more likely to occur when the medicine is at its highest blood level.
Where to dispose of Neulasta OBI?
The Neulasta OBI should be disposed of in an FDA-approved sharps disposal container as it contains a needle.
How long after chemo can you take 6 mg of a sulfate?
The dosage in adults is one single subcutaneous injection of 6 mg administered once per chemotherapy cycle, at least 24 hours after the chemotherapy, but not less than 14 days before the next cycle. The dosage for children weighing less than 45kg is weight-based (refer to the product information).
Does Neulasta help with neutropenia?
Neulasta boosts the production of infection-fighting white blood cells and helps to prevent neutropenia caused by chemotherapy.
What is the name of the injection for Neulasta?
Patient INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE Neulasta Onpro (nu-las-tah) (pegfilgrastim) injection Single- Use On-body Injector
Who can answer your questions about Neulasta?
A healthcare provider who is familiar with Neulasta should answer your questions. For general questions or support call
What is an on-body injector?
INFO•The on-body injector for Neulasta is intended for delivery of Neulasta. This on-body injector delivers Neulasta with an injection under-the-skin (subcutaneous). See the Patient Information that comes with your on-body injector for important information.
What does the black line on a Neulasta injector mean?
Black line shows how much Neulasta is in the on-body injector.
Why is my injector flashing red?
FLASHING RED, and your on-body injector is beeping, your on- body injector is not functioning properly.
How long does it take for Neulasta to be delivered?
A After about 27 hours, your on -body injector will begin to deliver your dose of Neulasta.
How long after chemo can you take Neulasta?
You should only receive a dose of Neulasta on the day your healthcare provider tells you. You should not receive your dose of Neulasta any sooner than 24 hours after you finish receiving your chemotherapy. The on- body injector for Neulasta is programmed to deliver your dose about 27 hours after your healthcare provider places the on -body injector on your skin. If you have concerns about your medicine , call your healthcare provider right away . Serious allergic reactions can happen with Neulasta. Ask your caregiver to be nearby for the first use. Plan to be in a place where you or your caregiver can closely monitor the on-body injector for Neulasta for about 45-minute s during Neulasta d elivery and for an hour after the delivery.
How long does it take for Neulasta to work?
The on-body injector is designed to automatically deliver your Neulasta®dose over 45 minutes, approximately 27 hours after application .
How to remove an injector pad?
by grabbing the edge of the adhesive pad and peeling off the on-body injector. Get emergency medical help right away.
Can Neulasta cause kidney damage?
Kidney injury (glomerulonephritis). Neulasta®can cause kidney injury. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following symptoms: swelling of your face or ankles, blood in your urine or dark colored urine, or you urinate less than usual. Increased white blood cell count (leukocytosis).
Can Neulasta cause lung cancer?
If you have breast cancer or lung cancer, when Neulasta®is used with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, or with radiation therapy alone, you may have an increased risk of developing a precancerous blood condition called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or a blood cancer called acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Can you take Neulasta at home?
With Onpro®, patients can receive Neulasta®at home so they don't have to go back to the doctor on the day after chemo. Staying at home can also reduce the risk of coming into contact with viral infections. Neulasta®Onpro®may be able to help. with these common challenges.
Does Neulasta cause pain in the arm?
The most common side effect of Neulasta®is pain in your bones and in your arms and legs. These are not all the possible side effects of Neulasta®. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report negative side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Find support in the cancer community
There are organizations all over the country that can provide information and support during your cancer journey and beyond.* Start here to find resources in your area.
Injector Disposal Program
The Sharps Disposal Container Program helps you easily and safely dispose of the on-body injector for Neulasta ® at no additional cost. You can sign up as soon as your doctor prescribes Neulasta ® Onpro ®. If you have additional questions about the Sharps Disposal Container Program, call 1‑844‑MYNEULASTA (1‑844‑696‑3852).
Glossary of Chemo & Cancer Terms
This list of terms will help you better understand your cancer treatment.
What is Neulasta?
Neulasta is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s FDA-approved for the following:
How often is Neulasta given?
For preventing infection during chemotherapy, Neulasta is given as a single dose once each chemotherapy cycle. A single dose is either one injection with the syringe or the use of one Neulasta Onpro.
How much does Neulasta weigh?
There are no age-based restrictions for using Neulasta. For Neulasta dosages in children who weigh more 99 pounds (45 kg), see the dosage sections above. Dosages for children who weigh less than 99 pounds (45 kg) are based on weight. Your child’s doctor will determine what Neulasta dosage is right for your child.
How many doses of Neulasta are there?
For treating hematopoietic subsyndrome of acute radiation syndrome (radiation sickness), Neulasta is given as two doses. You’ll have them 1 week apart. A single dose is one injection with the syringe.
How long does it take for Neulasta to go away?
Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What is the FDA's approval for Neulasta?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Neulasta to treat certain conditions. Neulasta may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition.
What does it mean when you have a fever with Neulasta?
Developing a fever during your Neulasta treatment may mean you have an infection. Fever can also be a symptom of rare but serious side effects of Neulasta, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), aortitis, or leukocytosis. (For more about ARDS and leukocytosis, see those sections below.)
How It Works
Upsides
Downsides
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Bone pain, skeletal pain, and medullary bone pain are the most common side effects reported, occurring in up to 30% to 49% of people. Because Neulasta works within the bone marrow, it is these changes that also cause th…
Bottom Line
- Neulasta injection is a prescription medicine that may be given once every chemotherapy cycle to prevent febrile neutropenia in those people at high risk of it because of cancer treatments they are receiving or from radiation. Neulasta needs to be given no less than 24 hours after chemo but no more than 14 days before the next dose. It is available as an on-body injector (OBI) which a heal…
Tips
- When you are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, it is common for levels of certain white blood cells (such as neutrophils) to decrease. A decrease in neutrophils makes you more susceptible to infe...
- Bone and bone-related pain are the most common side effects of Neulasta, affecting up to one-third to half of all people prescribed Neulasta. This usually starts within two days of adm…
- When you are undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, it is common for levels of certain white blood cells (such as neutrophils) to decrease. A decrease in neutrophils makes you more susceptible to infe...
- Bone and bone-related pain are the most common side effects of Neulasta, affecting up to one-third to half of all people prescribed Neulasta. This usually starts within two days of administration,...
- If you have been prescribed loratadine (eg, Claritin) for bone pain, the usual dosage is one 10mg tablet once daily in the morning for 5 days, starting on the day Neulasta is given. Claritin is tho...
- See your doctor immediately if you develop any abdominal pain, shortness of breath, fever, s…
Response and Effectiveness
- Once administered, Neulasta takes 16 to 120 hours (average of 24 hours) to reach its peak concentration. Neulasta is a long-lasting medication so blood levels slowly decrease over approximately 2 w...
- Neulasta’s effect of increasing neutrophil levels starts to kick in on the first day of the injection and neutrophil levels reach a peak at the same time as Neulasta reaches peak serum levels, …
- Once administered, Neulasta takes 16 to 120 hours (average of 24 hours) to reach its peak concentration. Neulasta is a long-lasting medication so blood levels slowly decrease over approximately 2 w...
- Neulasta’s effect of increasing neutrophil levels starts to kick in on the first day of the injection and neutrophil levels reach a peak at the same time as Neulasta reaches peak serum levels, whic...
- Once neutrophil levels have peaked, they start to decrease over the next 4 to 5 days due to the effect of chemotherapy. Neutrophils are usually at their lowest levels approximately 5 to 6 days afte...
- Peak neutrophil levels are 24 hours (approximately) after Neulasta injection, the lowest neutr…
Interactions
- Medicines that interact with Neulasta may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Neulasta. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be mana…
References
- Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) [Package insert]. Updated 03/2021. Amgen Inc. https://www.drugs.com/pro/neulasta.html
Further Information
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Neulasta only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: February 16, 2022. Medical Dis…