G-CSF (Filgrastim)

What is G-CSF?

Granulocyte colony stimulating factor, also called G-CSF or Filgrastim, is a man-made form of a natural human hormone. It is a colorless liquid that is either injected under the skin or given into a vein. G-CSF helps the body make infection-fighting white blood cells, called neutrophils. Some St. Jude patients need this medicine to help build up neutrophils that have been destroyed by chemotherapy.

How to give G-CSF

Inject just below the skin

• If your G-CSF is injected under the skin (subcutaneous injection), a nurse will teach you how to give the injection (refer to “Do you know… How to give subcutaneous injections” or “Do you know… Subcutaneous tissue infusion set”).
• Your subcutaneous injection dose is __________ micrograms.
• For each dose, draw __________ ml into the syringe. After you give the shot, discard the rest of the medicine in the vial. Do not use the same vial of G-CSF more than one (1) time. Refer to “Do you know… Withdrawing medicine from a vial.”

Note: For patients receiving G-CSF doses less than 100 micrograms, the pharmacy will draw up individual doses into syringes.

By IV (into a vein)

If your G-CSF is given into a vein, a nurse will give the G-CSF dose.

Possible side effects of G-CSF

• Mild bone pain
• Pain/bruising at the injection site

These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

In case of a severe side effect or reaction, call the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist at 901-595-3300. If you are outside the Memphis area, dial toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833), and press 0 once the call is connected.

Special instructions for G-CSF

• Until you are ready to use it, keep the G-CSF refrigerated but not frozen. G-CSF may be kept at room temperature for up to 24 hours if needed.
• Before giving a dose of G-CSF, take it out of the refrigerator about an hour before and let it warm to room temperature.
• G-CSF should always be a clear, colorless liquid. Do not use G-CSF if the liquid looks cloudy, changes color, or has flakes or specks in it.
• Do not use G-CSF if the date on the vial has expired. If you receive G-CSF in syringes from the pharmacy, do not use them after the expiration date listed on the syringe. For safety, throw away the unused syringes in a patient sharps container.
• Do not shake the vial of G-CSF. Bubbles make it hard to withdraw the correct dose.