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Only Available By Prescription
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Grastofil (Filgrastim) is a biosimilar to the original biologic medication Neupogen, designed to help patients who are experiencing neutropenia (a lack of certain white blood cells called neutrophils) often caused by chemotherapy. Filgrastim is a recombinant form of the human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), a substance naturally produced by the body that stimulates the growth of neutrophils. Grastofil is used to increase the production of neutrophils, helping to fight infections and aiding in the recovery of the immune system during cancer treatments, or other conditions that affect white blood cells.
Before you buy Grastofil, it is crucial that you talk to your healthcare provider about potential side effects and Grastofil cost.
| Fact Table | |
|---|---|
| Formula | C845H1343N223O243S9 (Filgrastim) |
| License | FDA and EMA approved |
| Bioavailability | 62% (subcutaneous administration) |
| Legal status | Prescription drug |
| Chemical Name | Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) |
| Elimination half-life | Approximately 3.5 hours |
| Dosage (Strength) | Pre-filled syringes containing 300 µg or 480 µg of filgrastim |
| Pregnancy | Caution advised (limited data) |
| Brands | Grastofil |
| Protein binding | Low (filgrastim binds to specific receptors on target cells) |
| PubChem CID | 115053 (for filgrastim) |
| MedlinePlus | a601114 |
| ChEBI | 80658 (Filgrastim) |
| ATC code | L03AA02 |
| DrugBank | DB00019 (Filgrastim) |
| KEGG | D00747 (Filgrastim) |
| Routes of administration | Subcutaneous, intravenous |
Your healthcare provider will determine your dosage based on your medical condition, weight, lab results, and response to treatment. It is critical to follow their directions precisely.
Grastofil is administered by injection into a layer of fat under the skin (subcutaneous injection) or directly into a vein (IV infusion), typically in a hospital or clinical setting. If you are instructed to administer Grastofil at home, your healthcare provider will guide you on proper injection techniques.
Grastofil’s active ingredient is Filgrastim.
Alert your doctor if you have a history of allergies to Filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, colonic proteins, or any other part of Grastofil.
Discuss any current or past health conditions, particularly sickle cell disease, kidney diseases, or if you are undergoing radiation therapy.
The effects of Grastofil during pregnancy or breastfeeding are not fully known. It is important to talk about the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
Patients with pre-existing blood disorders should use Grastofil cautiously as it can potentially worsen symptoms.
Grastofil can interact with other medications, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing side effects. Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Particularly, notify your healthcare provider if you use lithium or drugs that promote the release of neutrophils.
While Grastofil injection is effective in treating neutropenia, it may cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects include:
What is Grastofil used to treat?
Grastofil is a medication used to stimulate the production of white blood cells. It is commonly prescribed to patients undergoing chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants, or those with severe chronic neutropenia to reduce the risk of infection due to a low white blood cell count.
Where to inject Grastofil?
Grastofil is typically injected subcutaneously (under the skin). Common injection sites include the abdomen (except the navel area), upper arm, thigh, or buttocks. The specific site should be rotated to avoid irritation.
What are the serious side effects of Filgrastim?
Serious side effects of Filgrastim can include:
How many days do you have to take Filgrastim?
The duration for taking Filgrastim varies depending on the condition being treated and the patient’s response to therapy. It is typically administered daily until a normal white blood cell count is achieved. For chemotherapy patients, it is often given for about 7 to 10 days, but the exact duration should be determined by a healthcare provider.
Does Filgrastim cause hair loss?
Filgrastim itself is not known to cause hair loss. However, it is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy, which can lead to hair loss.
Does Filgrastim cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a common side effect of Filgrastim. If a patient experiences significant weight gain, it may be due to fluid retention or other factors and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Can Filgrastim cause fatigue?
Fatigue can be a side effect of Filgrastim, although it is less common. Fatigue may also result from the underlying condition being treated or other medications being taken concurrently.
What is the most common side effect of Filgrastim?
The most common side effect of Filgrastim is bone pain. This occurs because the drug stimulates bone marrow activity, which can lead to discomfort.
Who should not take Filgrastim?
Filgrastim should not be taken by individuals who:
When is the best time to take Filgrastim injections?
Filgrastim injections are usually administered at the same time each day. The specific timing can vary depending on the patient's treatment schedule and should be directed by a healthcare provider. It is often given in the morning to monitor for any immediate side effects.
