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.
This document is not intended to take the place of the care and attention of your personal physician or other professional medical services. Our aim is to promote active participation in your care and treatment by providing information and education. Questions about individual health concerns or specific treatment options should be discussed with your physician.
St. Jude complies with health care-related federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
ATTENTION: If you speak another language, assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-866-278-5833 (TTY: 1-901-595-1040).
ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-866-278-5833 (TTY: 1-901-595-1040).
تنبيه: إذا كنت تتحدث باللغة العربية فيمكنك الاستعانة بخدمات المساعدة اللغوية المتوفرة لك مجانا. .يرجى الاتصال بالرقم. 5833-278-866-1 (الهاتف النصي: 1040-595-901-1).