Neulasta (Pegfilgrastim) is used to reduce the chance of infection in people who have certain cancers and are also receiving chemotherapy medications, including taxotere for men being treated for advanced prostate cancer.
Chemotherapy is designed to kill fast growing cells. However, it can’t tell the difference between cancer cells and fast-growing healthy cells, including red and white blood cells. (This is why men can lose their hair and have damage to their nails since they are among the faster growing of our healthy cells). As a result, one of the most serious potential side effects of taxotere for men with advanced prostate cancer is to develop a low white blood cell count (neutropenia). Developing neutropenia can place men at risk for infections which can cause interruptions in receiving their chemotherapy on schedule.
Neulasta is a white blood cell booster to help support your natural defenses and help reduce the risk of infection. Neulasta is in a class of medications called colony stimulating factors which works by helping the body make more neutrophils by stimulating the bone marrow. These white blood cells help the body fight infections.
Neulasta comes as a solution (liquid) which is injected subcutaneously (under the skin). It is usually given as a single dose for each chemotherapy cycle, no sooner than 24 hours after the last dose of chemotherapy of the cycle is given and more than 14 days before beginning the next chemotherapy cycle.
Neulasta may be given to you by a healthcare provider, or you may be told to inje