In studies, pegfilgrastim has been compared to a placebo (no treatment) or to
filgrastim (
Neupogen®), a short-acting version of pegfilgrastim that must be taken daily. These studies measured the frequency and duration of febrile neutropenia, which is a fever combined with a low neutrophil count. Febrile neutropenia is essentially infection caused by chemotherapy. In one study, only 1 percent of those taking pegfilgrastim experienced febrile neutropenia, compared to 17 percent of those taking a placebo (receiving no treatment). Another study showed that pegfilgrastim appears to work as well as Neupogen for preventing infections.
When and How to Take Pegfilgrastim
General considerations for when and how to take pegfilgrastim include the following:
- Pegfilgrastim comes as an injection that is given under the skin. It is given once per chemotherapy cycle.
- Pegfilgrastim should not be taken anytime within two weeks before to 24 hours after chemotherapy. It is usually taken on the day after chemotherapy (more than 24 hours after chemotherapy).
- If you feel comfortable doing so, you may give yourself pegfilgrastim injections. If you would prefer, your healthcare provider can give the injection.
- Never shake pegfilgrastim, as it is a delicate molecule that could be damaged by shaking.
- You will need regular blood tests while taking pegfilgrastim to see if the drug is working.
- If you choose to give the injections yourself, make sure you know exactly how to inject pegfilgrastim.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
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