Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

A nurse or other trained health professional may give you this medicine. It is given as a shot under your skin (usually in the upper arms, stomach, thighs, or buttocks) or through an IV catheter placed into a vein.

You may be taught how to give this medicine at home. Make sure you understand all of the instructions before giving yourself an injection. Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. You will also be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. This will help prevent skin problems from the injections. Do not inject into skin areas that are tender, red, bruised, hard, scaly, or has scars or stretch marks.

This medicine comes with patient information leaflet and patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about:

  • How to prepare the injection.
  • The proper use of disposable syringes.
  • How to give the injection.
  • How long the injection can be stored at home.

Start using the medicine 24 hours or more after you finish your chemotherapy. However, do not use it within 24 hours before you begin another chemotherapy.

Allow 30 minutes for the prefilled syringe to warm up to room temperature. Do not warm using heat sources (eg, hot water, microwave, or sunlight).

Check the liquid in the prefilled syringe. It should be clear and colorless to slightly yellowish. Do not use it if it is cloudy or discolored, or has flakes or particles in it. Do not use it if it is cracked or broken ,or has been dropped. Do not shake.

Do not use the prefilled syringe if the needle guard has been activated.

To use the prefilled syringe:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
  • Do not twist or bend the gray needle cap. Do not hold the syringe by the plunger rod. Do not put the cap back on.
  • Check the syringe for air bubbles. Point the needle up and gently tap the syringe with your fingers until the air bubbles go to the top of the syringe.
  • Gently pinch the skin. With your other hand, insert the needle into the skin at a 45 to 90 degree angle. Slowly push down on the plunger rod as far as it will go so the plunger head is completely between the needle guard wings. Do not pull back the plunger rod.
  • Slowly release the plunger and allow the needle guard to cover the needle.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For injectable dosage form (solution):
    • For neutropenia:
      • Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 5 to 10 microgram per kilogram (mcg/kg) of body weight injected under the skin per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Do not leave this medicine in direct sunlight. You may store the medicine at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Throw this medicine away if it has been left at room temperature for longer than 24 hours.

Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container where the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Portions of this document last updated: Aug. 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.