Pregnancy Cat

Category C: Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.

Precautions

Filgrastim should not be administered within 24 hours before and after chemotherapy  The possibility of Filgrastim acting as a growth factor for any tumor type cannot be excluded. To avoid adverse effects of excessive neutrophils complete blood count is recommended twice per week during treatment. Filgrastim is given by subcutaneous or intravenous infusion as required

Overdose Effects

The possibility of Filgrastim acting as a growth factor for any tumor type and adverse effects of excessive neutrophils may occur in overdose of Filgrastim.

Drug Classes

Haematopoietic Agents

Storage Conditions

Refrigerate at 2-8° C. Do not freeze.

Composition

n/a

Mode Of Action

Filgrastim is a granulocyte-colony stimulating factor which binds to cell surface receptors on haemetopoietic cells thus stimulating the development of granulocytes to increase their migration and cytotoxicity.Filgrastim is a glycoprotein which regulates the production and release of functional neutrophils from the bone marrow. Filgrastim causes marked increases in peripheral blood neutrophil counts within 24 hours, with minor increases in monocytes. Elevations of neutrophil counts are dose-dependent at recommended doses. Following termination of Filgrastim therapy, circulating neutrophil counts decrease by 50% within 1 to 2 days, and to normal levels within 1 to 7 days.

Reconstitution

Dilution of Filgrastim conc less than 5 mcg/ml is not recommended at any time. Filgrastim may be diluted in 5% dextrose as required