Filgrastim

Products

Filgrastim is commercially available as a solution for injection in vials and prefilled syringes (Neupogen, biosimilars). It has been approved in many countries since 1991.

Structure and properties

Filgrastim is a protein of 175 amino acids produced by biotechnology. The sequence corresponds to human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF, Mr = 18,800 Da) with the exception of the -terminal methionine. Unlike natural G-CSF, filgrastim is not glycosylated.

Effects

Filgrastim (ATC L03AA02) promotes the generation of neutrophil granulocytes and their release from the bone marrow. A significant increase in neutrophils and monocytes can be detected in the blood after only 24 hours. It thus reduces the risk of infectious diseases and neutropenic fever.

Indications

Filgrastim is mainly used to treat neutropenia (decrease in neutrophil granulocytes in the blood), for example due to chemotherapy.

Dosage

According to the SmPC. The drug is administered as an infusion or subcutaneous injection.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity

For complete precautions, see the drug label.

Interactions

Drug-drug interactions have been described with same-day myelosuppressive cytotoxic chemotherapy and lithium.

Adverse effects

The most common possible adverse effects include anemia, blood count disturbances, hyperuricemia, nosebleeds, headache, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, and vomiting.