Using Neupogen to Treat a Low Neutrophil Count During Chemotherapy

Neupogen (filgrastim) is a medication given to some people receiving chemotherapy to prevent or treat a condition called chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell (WBC) that help prevent infection.

Neupogen works by stimulating the bone marrow to increase the production of white blood cells. After chemotherapy administration, the medication is given as a subcutaneous injection (in the tissue under the skin).

This article will explain what Neupogen is, along with its known side effects and benefits.

Neupogen With Breast Cancer

Chemotherapy for breast cancer destroys rapidly dividing breast cancer cells. Unfortunately, chemotherapy also affects healthy cells such as white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. The reduction of these healthy cells is referred to as bone marrow suppression from chemotherapy. When the number of WBCs is low, cancer patients are at increased risk of infection.

It's common for breast cancer patients to be prescribed Neupogen to help the bone marrow produce circulating WBCs, increasing the body's ability to fight germs.

How Neupogen Works

The body produces a protein called granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, which stimulates the production of neutrophils through a process called hematopoiesis. However, chemotherapy often reduces the number of WBCs faster than the bone marrow can produce them. Therefore, Neupogen (which is artificially produced G-CSF) is used to help speed up the bone marrow's production of WBCs.

A laboratory test called a complete blood count (CBC) is used to evaluate the absolute neutrophil count (ANC). If the ANC is low, then Neupogen can be given to help increase it. Preventing infections while undergoing chemotherapy is essential to maintaining health and well-being during cancer treatment.

Although Neupogen injections will boost the production of your neutrophils, it's important to report signs of an infection, including a fever (100.4 F or greater), to your oncology team immediately.

Administration

Neupogen is given as a daily injection until the ANC rises. The number of injections required depends on several factors, including CBC results, type of cancer, the chemotherapy regimen, and medical condition.

Injections are administered into the fatty tissue of the arms or abdomen. Your oncology nurse will rotate the sites daily. Sometimes Neupogen can be administered at home. On rare occasions, Neupogen can be given intravenously (through a vein in your arm).

Neupogen Side Effects

As with most medications, Neupogen injections may cause side effects. Here are side effects associated with Neupogen:

• Bone pain: Usually felt in the chest bone, hips, and leg bones, bone pain is due to the increased activity in the bone marrow.
• Allergic reaction: You may need to receive your first injection in the clinic to ensure you don't have an allergy to Neupogen.
• Thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count): Watch for signs of bleeding or petechiae (small red dots on the skin) while receiving Neupogen.
• Leukocytosis (elevated WBC count): Too many white blood cells can lead to other medical issues.
• Splenic rupture: If the spleen becomes too enlarged, it can rupture, leading to blood loss.
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): Notify your healthcare provider if you develop fever or breathing problems while on Neupogen.
  

Risks and Contraindications

Although Neupogen is relatively safe, medical conditions exclude some people from receiving it. Tell your oncologist (cancer doctor) if you have any of the following conditions before starting Neupogen:

• A known allergy to granulocyte colony-stimulating factors such as Neupogen or Neulasta
• A blood cancer such as acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
• Glomerulonephritis
• Sickle cell anemia
• Pregnant or breastfeeding

When To Call Your Healthcare Provider

Reactions may sometimes occur. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop signs of an allergic reaction (hives, problems breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, rash spreading over your body), abdominal pain, shoulder pain, chest pain, or severe fatigue.

Neutropenic fever occurs when you have a fever and a low ANC. This condition is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Report a fever of 100.4 F, shaking chills, cough, shortness of breath, burning with urination, or any other signs of infection to your oncology team right away.

Before Your First Injection

Before your first injection of Neupogen, your healthcare provider will order a CBC to assess your healthy blood cells. After that, you will need repeated CBCs to determine how well the Neupogen is working. If you are administering Neupogen at home, your oncology nurse will schedule an education session about how to give yourself an injection.

Other Ways to Lower Infection Risk

Although Neupogen can lower the risk of infection, here are other ways to say healthy during cancer treatment:

• Practice good handwashing and hand sanitizing.
• Stay away from sick people.
• Don't receive live vaccines.
• Ask your oncology nurse about the Neutropenic diet.
• Eat healthily and stay hydrated.
• Report any signs of infection to your oncology team.
  

Summary

Chemotherapy destroys cancer cells and healthy white blood cells, like neutrophils. If your neutrophil count is low, you can develop an infection that requires hospitalization. Neupogen is an effective way to prevent and treat a low neutrophil count.

Although tolerated well, Neupogen can cause mild to moderate bone pain. Soaking in a warm bath, staying hydrated, and using NSAIDs and Claritan can potentially alleviate bone pain. Be sure to report any signs of infection to your oncology team immediately.