Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating and Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Growth Factors

Indications and Usage

Filgrastim, pegfilgrastim and sargramostim are synthetic versions of substances naturally produced in your body. They are FDA approved to prevent or reduce the risk of infection for patients with nonmyeloid malignancies who are being treated with anti-inflammatory drugs that inhibit blood cell production and are associated with severely low counts of certain white blood cells (neutropenia). Colony-stimulating growth factors may also be used to help the marrow recover after stem cell transplantation. 

Sargramostim is FDA approved to increase survival in adult and pediatric patients acutely exposed to myelosuppressive doses of radiation (Hematopoietic Syndrome of Acute Radiation Syndrome, or H-ARS).

Side effects needing medical attention

For filgrastim: redness or pain at the site of subcutaneous (under the skin) injection; fever; rapid or irregular heartbeat; sores on skin; wheezing; headache; pain in arms or legs; pain in joints or muscles; pain in lower back or pelvis; rash or itching. For sargramostim: fever; redness or pain at the site of subcutaneous injection; shortness of breath; swelling of feet or lower legs; weight gain (sudden); chest pain; rapid or irregular heartbeat; sores on skin; wheezing; headache; pain in arms or legs; pain in joints or muscles; pain in lower back or pelvis; rash or itching; dizziness or faintness after first dose of medicine; flushing of face after first dose of medicine; weakness.