Pegfilgrastim Injection Ip - Physical Form: Liquid

Pegstim is an injection that contains the active ingredient pegfilgrastim. It belongs to a class of medications known as colony-stimulating factors.

What it's used for:
The primary use of Pegstim is to prevent infections in patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can often lower the number of white blood cells (specifically neutrophils) in the body, a condition known as neutropenia. White blood cells are crucial for fighting off infections.

Pegstim works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells, thereby reducing the risk of neutropenia and associated complications like fever and infections. It is typically administered as a single dose for each chemotherapy cycle, no sooner than 24 hours after the last dose of chemotherapy.

Pegfilgrastim is also used to increase the chance of survival in people who have been exposed to high doses of radiation that can cause severe bone marrow damage.

How it's administered:
Pegstim is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin). This can be administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting, or a patient may be trained to self-administer the injection at home. The injection sites are usually the thighs, abdomen, buttocks, or upper arm, and it is important to rotate the injection site.

Common side effects:
Bone pain
Joint and muscle pain
Headache
Nausea
Pain, redness, or bruising at the injection site

Serious side effects (you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience these):
Signs of an enlarged spleen or splenic rupture, such as pain in the left upper stomach or left shoulder.

Signs of a serious lung problem like Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), including shortness of breath, trouble breathing, or a fast breathing rate.

Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as a rash, swelling around the face or eyes, wheezing, or dizziness.

Signs of kidney injury, such as swelling in the face or ankles, or blood in the urine.

Signs of Capillary Leak Syndrome, which may include swelling, puffiness, difficulty breathing, and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.

Important considerations:
Pegstim does not directly treat cancer; it helps manage a side effect of chemotherapy.