Pegfilgrastim and Headaches: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• July 17, 2008

Pegfilgrastim for Neutropenia Associated with Chemotherapy "I have had five injections of Neulasta in conjunction with chemotherapy. The only side effect I notice is one that is not listed. About 12 hours after the injection, I develop a headache, low-grade fever, and very tender glands. This lasts 48 hours and eases away. It does improve my counts."

• Flo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 7, 2021

Pegfilgrastim for Neutropenia Associated with Chemotherapy "Do not take Neulasta. I was given the patch on the arm after the 5th treatment of chemotherapy, and it felt like I was tortured! My shins, toes, and fingers were literally throbbing with pain, it felt as if someone took a sledgehammer and swung it hard on my bones. I was crying for days. Zyrtec, Claritin, and pain pills did not work! I will never, ever take Neulasta, nor do I trust the drug companies! I had to use a cane to walk because, at times, I almost fell because of the pain. This is 9 days later, and I am still in excruciating pain. Shame on you, drug companies!"

• kar...
• December 6, 2014

Pegfilgrastim for Neutropenia Associated with Chemotherapy "I have had Neulasta shots twice so far, the day after my chemo. My white count is staying in the normal range, so Neulasta is doing its job! I get headaches, fever stays about 100.5, and I just feel crummy for a few days. My doctor's office recommends Claritin, starting the day of chemo, to avoid the 'bone aches' Neulasta frequently causes, and I haven't experienced that symptom yet. I take Tylenol to help the fever, but I also have been experiencing very bad insomnia- not sure if that's the chemo or Neulasta, but when you feel crummy, you WANT to sleep. NOTE: My doctor's office forgot about the co-pay discount until after my 2nd shot, so I hope I don't have to pay for that 'oops'!"

• Reb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2019

For Neutropenia Associated with Chemotherapy "Ugh, this pegfilgrastim medication needs a dose reduction alternative! I’ve had two of these shots, and both times, about two days after, I’m in such pain. I feel like I’m having a heart attack, but throughout my entire body! It did what it was supposed to, my white blood counts shot way up-way higher than even when I was healthy-which makes me wonder: why can’t I get a smaller dose? Maybe then I wouldn’t have so much pain. It’s midnight right now, and I can’t sleep because my hips and chest are feeling it. It’s a pain that’s hard to describe. Kind of an electric pain, but it throbs, sometimes it’s stronger, like a surge. It sucks. I guess it works, but who knows if I’d be better off without it? This goes on for about 2 1/2 days."

• Msk...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2021

For Neutropenia Associated with Chemotherapy "The side effects: every joint on my body was on fire, from my jaw to my toes. The headaches that came with it were the only relief I got from the other pains because it was so intense, and in no way do I mean that in a good way. I've had 6 surgeries on my knee, and it felt like someone was ripping my knee replacement out of my body. My chest felt like someone was sitting on me, and I could barely breathe. Most of the pain is gone after 4 days, except it now feels like I have arthritis in every joint in my hands and feet. If you want to be tortured, then I highly recommend pegfilgrastim."