Filgrastim (Monograph)
Drug class: Hematopoietic Agents
Introduction
Filgrastim is a biosynthetic (recombinant DNA origin) hematopoietic agent that principally affects the proliferation and differentiation of neutrophils within the bone marrow1 4 76 78 79 80 81 82 145 151 157 and possibly other sites (e.g., spleen).23 42 105 2
Filgrastim and tbo-filgrastim are structurally and pharmacologically similar drugs that contain a related drug substance.1 145 151 Tbo-filgrastim was licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through a biologics license application (BLA), not as a biosimilar to filgrastim.151 153 154
Filgrastim-sndz, filgrastim-aafi, and filgrastim-ayow are biosimilar to filgrastim (Neupogen).1 157 201 202 A biosimilar is a biological that is highly similar to an FDA-licensed reference biological with the exception of minor differences in clinically inactive components and for which there are no clinically meaningful differences in safety, purity, or potency.170 204 Biosimilars are approved through an abbreviated licensure pathway that establishes biosimilarity between a proposed biological and reference biological but does not independently establish safety and effectiveness of the proposed biological.204 In order to be considered an interchangeable biosimilar, a biological product must meet additional requirements beyond demonstrating biosimilarity to its reference product.169 None of the currently available filgrastim biosimilars have interchangeable data at this time.205
Uses for Filgrastim
Chemotherapy-induced Neutropenia
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Filgrastim, tbo-filgrastim, and biosimilars: reduces the incidence of infection, as seen by the presence of febrile neutropenia, in patients with non-myeloid malignancies administered myelosuppressive chemotherapeutic agents associated with a clinically significant incidence of febrile neutropenia.1 145 157 201 202
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In adults receiving chemotherapy for a solid tumor or non-myeloid malignancy, guidelines recommend that colony stimulating factors (CSFs) be administered prophylactically when the risk of febrile neutropenia is high (exceeding 20%) and if equally effective treatments that do not require CSF support are unavailable.171 172 173
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For patients receiving chemotherapy regimens who have an intermediate risk of febrile neutropenia (10–20%), prophylactic use of CSFs can be considered, especially if the increased risk is due to patient factors (e.g., >65 years of age, coexisting illness) instead of the chemotherapy regimen.172 173
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Prophylaxis is generally not recommended for patients with a low risk (<10%) of febrile neutropenia.172
Acute Myeloid Leukemia - Induction and/or Consolidation Chemotherapy
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Filgrastim and biosimilars: decreases the time to neutrophil recovery and the duration of fever, following induction or consolidation chemotherapy treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).1 157 201 202
Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT)
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Filgrastim and biosimilars: decreases the duration of neutropenia and neutropenia-related clinical sequelae in patients with non-myeloid malignancies undergoing myeloablative chemotherapy followed by BMT.1 157 201 202
Autologous Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cell Collection and Therapy
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Filgrastim and biosimilars (except filgrastim-ayow): mobilization of autologous hematopoietic progenitor cells into the peripheral blood for collection by leukapheresis.1 157 201
Severe Chronic Neutropenia
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Filgrastim and biosimilars: reduces the incidence and duration of sequelae of neutropenia in symptomatic patients with congenital, cyclic, or idiopathic neutropenia.1 157 201 202
Acute Exposure to Myelosuppressive Doses of Radiation
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Filgrastim (Neulasta): improves survival in patients acutely exposed to myelosuppressive radiation doses.1
Filgrastim Dosage and Administration
General
Pretreatment Screening
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Obtain a complete blood count (CBC) and platelet count at baseline.1 145 157 201 202
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For patients with suspected chronic neutropenia, confirm the diagnosis prior to filgrastim therapy through evaluation of serial CBCs with differential, platelet counts, and bone marrow morphology and karyotype.1 157 201 202
Patient Monitoring
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Monitor for signs and symptoms of serious allergic reactions during therapy.1 145 157 201 202
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Monitor platelet counts during therapy; frequency is indication-dependent.1 145 157 201 202
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Monitor CBC during therapy; frequency is indication-dependent.1 145 157 201 202
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Monitor for the development of left upper abdominal or shoulder pain during therapy and evaluate patients who develop these symptoms for splenic enlargement or rupture.1 145 157 201 202
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Monitor for the development of fever and lung infiltrates or respiratory distress during therapy and evaluate patients who develop these signs and symptoms for acute respiratory distress syndrome.1 145 157 201 202
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Monitor for signs and symptoms of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients with breast and lung cancer who use filgrastim products concomitantly with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and in patients with severe chronic neutropenia.1 157 201 202
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Monitor for the development of sickle cell crisis in patients with sickle cell disorders.1 145 157 201 202
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Monitor kidney function and evaluate for glomerulonephritis if it is suspected.1 145 157 201 202
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Monitor closely for the development of signs and symptoms of capillary leak syndrome during therapy (e.g., hypotension, hypoalbuminemia, edema, hemoconcentration).1 145 157 201 202
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Monitor for signs and symptoms of aortitis (e.g., fever, abdominal pain, malaise, back pain, increased inflammatory markers).1 145 157 201 202
Dispensing and Administration Precautions
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Patients with latex allergies should not receive filgrastim (Neupogen) or filgrastim-sndz (Zarxio) via prefilled syringes as the needle cap contains dry natural rubber.1 157
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The filgrastim biosimilar prefilled syringe formulations do not allow for direct administration of doses <0.3 mL (180 mcg) to patients due to the potential for dosing errors.157 201 202 For doses <0.3 mL, use of the single-dose vial is recommended.201 202
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The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) notes that the brand name Neupogen may be potentially confused with the brand name Neumega.206
Administration
Administer filgrastim products by sub-Q injection, short IV infusion (15 to 30 minutes), or continuous IV infusion, depending on the product and indication for use.1 145 157 201 202 May also be administered by continuous sub-Q infusion† [off-label] .9 16 72
If given sub-Q, inject into the outer area of the upper arms, abdomen (except for the 2-inch area around the navel), thighs, and the upper outer areas of the buttocks.1 145 157 201 202 Rotate injection sites daily; avoid any area that is tender, red, bruised, scaly, hard, or has stretch marks or scars.1 145 157 201 202
If a filgrastim product is administered by a patient or caregiver and a dose is missed, contact the healthcare provider.1 145 157 201 202
Discard any unused portion of filgrastim product in vials or prefilled syringes.1 145 157 201 202 Do no re-enter the vial and do not save unused filgrastim product for administration at a later date.1 145 157 201 202
Visually inspect for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Do not administer if particulate matter or discoloration observed. 1 145 157 201 202 Avoid shaking filgrastim products.1 145 157 201 202 Transport of filgrastim via a pneumatic tube system has not been evaluated.1 201
Filgrastim (Neupogen)
Supplied in single-dose prefilled syringes (for sub-Q use) and single-dose vials (for both sub-Q use and IV infusion).1
Dilution
If IV administration required, dilute filgrastim (vial only) in 5% Dextrose from a concentration of 300 mcg/mL to 5 mcg/mL.1 Do not dilute to <5 mcg/mL.1 Protect filgrastim, diluted to concentrations from 5 to 15 mcg/mL, from adsorption to plastic by adding Albumin (Human) to a final concentration of 2 mg/mL.1
Filgrastim diluted in 5% Dextrose or 5% Dextrose plus Albumin (Human) is compatible with glass bottles, polyvinyl chloride and polyolefin IV bags, and polypropylene syringes.1 Do not dilute with saline as precipitation may occur.1 Store the diluted solution at room temperature for up to 24 hours, which includes time during storage and the duration of the infusion.1
For continuous sub-Q infusion† [off-label], dilute in 10–50 mL of 5% dextrose injection and infuse at a rate not exceeding 10 mL/24 hours.9
Tbo-filgrastim (Granix)
Supplied in single-dose prefilled syringes and vials for sub-Q use.145
Filgrastim biosimilars (Zarxio; Nivestym; Releuko)
Supplied in single-dose prefilled syringes for sub-Q use (Zarxio; Nivestym; Releuko) and single-dose vials for sub-Q or IV use (Nivestym; Releuko).157 201 202
Dilution
If IV administration is required, dilute Nivestym and Releuko (vial only) in 5% Dextrose from a concentration of 300 mcg/mL to 5 mcg/mL.201 202 Do not dilute to <5 mcg/mL.201 202 Protect these biosimilars, diluted to concentrations from 5 to 15 mcg/mL, from adsorption to plastic by adding Albumin (Human) to a final concentration of 2 mg/mL.201 202
Nivestym and Releukodiluted in 5% Dextrose or 5% Dextrose plus Albumin (Human) are compatible with glass bottles, polyvinyl chloride and polyolefin IV bags, and polypropylene syringes.201 202 Do not dilute with saline as precipitation may occur.201 202 Store the diluted solution at room temperature for up to 24 hours (Nivesytm) or up to 4 hours (Releuko), which includes time during storage and the duration of the infusion.201 202
Dosage
Chemotherapy-induced Neutropenia
Obtain CBC and platelet count at baseline and monitor twice weekly during therapy.1 145 157 201 202
Administer at least 24 hours after cytotoxic chemotherapy; do not give within 24-hour period prior to chemotherapy.1 145 157 201 202
Filgrastim and biosimilars (filgrastim-sndz, filgrastim-aafi, filgrastim-ayow):
Sub-Q injection, short IV infusion (15 to 30 minutes), or continuous IV infusion: 5 mcg/kg/day.1 157 201 202 Consider dose increases in increments of 5 mcg/kg for each chemotherapy cycle, based on duration and severity of ANC nadir.1 157 201 202
One to 2 days after initiation, transient increase in neutrophil count typically observed.1 157 201 202 To ensure sustained response, administer for up to 2 weeks or until ANC has reached 10,000 cells/mm3 following expected chemotherapy-induced nadir.1 157 201 202 Duration of therapy may be dependent on myelosuppressive potential of chemotherapy regimen.1 157 201 202
Tbo-filgrastim:
Sub-Q injection: 5 mcg/kg/day.145 Specifically labelled only for use in adults and pediatric patients ≥1 month of age.145
Acute Myeloid Leukemia - Induction and/or Consolidation Chemotherapy
Filgrastim and biosimilars (filgrastim-sndz, filgrastim-aafi, filgrastim-ayow):
Sub-Q injection, short IV infusion (15 to 30 minutes), or continuous IV infusion: 5 mcg/kg/day.1 157 201 202
Consider dose increases in increments of 5 mcg/kg for each chemotherapy cycle, based on duration and severity of ANC nadir.1 157 201 202
Obtain CBC and platelet count at baseline and monitor twice weekly during therapy.1 157 201 202
Administer at least 24 hours after cytotoxic chemotherapy; do not give within 24-hour period prior to chemotherapy.1 157 201 202
One to 2 days after initiation, transient increase in neutrophil count typically observed.1 157 201 202 To ensure sustained response, administer for up to 2 weeks or until ANC has reached 10,000 cells/mm3 following expected chemotherapy-induced nadir.1 157 201 202 Duration of therapy may be dependent on myelosuppressive potential of chemotherapy regimen.1 157 201 202
Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT)
Filgrastim and biosimilars (filgrastim-sndz, filgrastim-aafi, filgrastim-ayow):
IV: 10 mcg/kg/day infusion for no longer than 24 hours.1 157 201 202 Give initial dose at least 24 hours after cytotoxic chemotherapy and at least 24 hours after bone marrow infusion.1 157 201 202
Monitor platelet counts and CBCs frequently after BMT.1 157 201 202
During neutrophil recovery, titrate daily dosage against the neutrophil response (See Table 1).1 157 201 202
If ANC reduces to <1000 cells/mm3 at any time while the patient is receiving 5 mcg/kg/day, increase the dosage to 10 mcg/kg/day, and then follow the steps in Table 1.
Absolute Neutrophil Count |
Dosage Adjustment |
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When ANC >1000 cells/mm3 for 3 consecutive days |
Decrease to 5 mcg/kg/day |
Then, if ANC remains >1000 cells/mm3 for 3 more consecutive days |
Discontinue therapy |
Then, if ANC decreases to <1000 cells/mm3 |
Reinitiate therapy at 5 mcg/kg/day |
Autologous Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cell Collection and Therapy
Filgrastim and biosimilars (filgrastim-sndz, filgrastim-aafi):
Sub-Q injection: 10 mcg/kg/day.1 157 201
Give for at least 4 days before initial leukapheresis procedure and continue until last procedure.1 157 201 Optimal duration of administration and leukapheresis schedule not established; administration for 6 to 7 days with leukaphereses on days 5, 6, and 7 has been found to be effective and safe.1 157 201
Monitor neutrophil counts after 4 days of filgrastim and discontinue if WBC count rises to >100,000 cells/mm3.1 157 201
Severe Chronic Neutropenia
Filgrastim and biosimilars (filgrastim-sndz, filgrastim-aafi, filgrastim-ayow):
Sub-Q injection: 6 mcg/kg twice daily (congenital neutropenia); 5 mcg/kg once daily (idiopathic or cyclic neutropenia)1 157 201 202
Chronic daily therapy required for continued benefit.1 157 201 202 Individualize dosage based on ANC and clinical course.1 157 201 202 Lower median daily dosages necessary for patients with idiopathic (1.2 mcg/kg) and cyclic (2.1 mcg/kg) neutropenia as compared to congenital (6 mcg/kg) neutropenia.1 157 201 202 Rarely, patients with congenital neutropenia may require dosages ≥100 mcg/kg/day.1 157 201 202
Monitor CBCs with differential and platelet counts during initial 4 weeks of therapy, during the 2 weeks following any dosage adjustment, and monthly during first year of treatment once patient is clinically stable.1 157 201 202 If patient remains clinically stable after initial year of treatment, less frequent routine monitoring is recommended.1 157 201 202
Acute Exposure to Myelosuppressive Doses of Radiation
Filgrastim (Neupogen):
Sub-Q: 10 mcg/kg as a single daily injection.1 Give dose as soon as possible after suspected or confirmed exposure to radiation doses >2 gray.1 Continue until ANC is >1000 cells/mm3 for 3 consecutive CBCs or exceeds 10,000 cells/mm3 after a radiation-induced nadir.1
Obtain a baseline CBC and subsequent serial CBCs approximately every third day until ANC is >1000 cells/mm3 for 3 consecutive CBCs.1 Do not delay therapy if a CBC is not readily available.1
Estimate the level of radiation exposure via clinical findings, biodosimetry (if available), and information from public health authorities.1
Special Populations
Hepatic Impairment
Manufacturers of filgrastim and the biosimilars state dosage adjustment is not necessary.1 157 201 202 Manufacturer of tbo-filgrastim makes no specific dosage recommendations.145
Renal Impairment
Manufacturers of filgrastim and the biosimilars state dosage adjustment not necessary.1 157 201 202 Manufacturer of tbo-filgrastim makes no specific dosage recommendations.145
Geriatric Patients
No specific dosage recommendations.1 145 157 201 202
Cautions for Filgrastim
Contraindications
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History of serious allergic reactions to human granulocyte colony-stimulating factors such as pegfilgrastim or filgrastim products.1 145 157 201 202
Warnings/Precautions
Splenic Rupture
Splenic rupture, including fatal cases, reported.1 145 157 201 202 Monitor patients for left upper abdominal pain or shoulder pain as these may be suggestive of an enlarged spleen or splenic rupture.1 145 157 201 202
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) reported.1 145 157 201 202 Monitor patients for fever and lung infiltrates or respiratory distress as these may be suggestive of ARDS.1 145 157 201 202 Discontinue in patients with ARDS.1 145 157 201 202
Serious Allergic Reactions
Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, reported.1 145 157 201 202 Most occur upon initial exposure.1 145 157 201 202 Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can recur within days after discontinuing treatment for the initial reaction.1 157 201 202 Permanently discontinue in patients with serious allergic reactions.1 145 157 201 202 Do not administer to patients with a history of serious allergic reactions to these products or pegfilgrastim.1 145 157 201 202
Sickle Cell Disorders
Severe sickle cell crises, including fatal cases, reported in patients with sickle cell disorders.1 145 157 201 202 Discontinue therapy if a crisis occurs.1 145 157 201 202
Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis reported with therapy.1 145 157 201 202 If suspected, assess for the underlying etiology.1 145 157 201 202 If a filgrastim product is the likely cause, consider reducing the dose or interrupting therapy.1 145 157 201 202
Leukocytosis
To avoid risks associated with leukocytosis, discontinue therapy in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy if ANC >10,000 cells/mm3after the chemotherapy-induced ANC nadir occurs.1 145 157 201 202 Monitor CBCs at least twice weekly.1 145 157 201 202 Filgrastim dosages that increase the ANC >10,000 cells/mm3 may not result in additional clinical benefit.1 145 157 201 202 Discontinuation in these patients usually resulted in a 50% decrease in circulating neutrophils within 1 to 2 days, with a return to baseline in 1 to 7 days.1 145 157 201 202
For patients with cancer undergoing PBPC mobilization, discontinue filgrastim if the leukocyte count increases to >100,000 cells/mm3.1 157 201
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia reported with therapy.1 145 157 201 202 Monitor platelet counts.1 145 157 201 202
Capillary Leak Syndrome
Symptoms of capillary leak syndrome (e.g., hypotension, hypoalbuminemia, edema, hemoconcentration) may occur.1 145 157 201 202 May be life-threatening if treatment delayed.1 145 157 201 202 Closely monitor patients who develop capillary leak syndrome and initiate symptomatic treatment.1 145 157 201 202
Tumor Growth Stimulatory Effects
May potentially act as growth factors for any tumor type.1 145 157 201 202 Safety in the setting of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and myelodysplasia specifically has not been established.1 145 157 201 202
When used to mobilize PBPC, tumor cells may be collected in the leukapheresis product and subsequently reinfused.1 157 201 Effects of reinfusion of tumor cells not well studied and available data are inconclusive.1 157 201
Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Patients with breast and lung cancer who receive filgrastim products in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may potentially develop MDS and AML.1 157 201 202 Monitor for signs and symptoms of MDS/AML.1 157 201 202
For patients with severe chronic neutropenia, confirm the diagnosis prior to filgrastim administration.1 157 201 202 Patients with severe chronic neutropenia who received filgrastim have experienced cytogenetic abnormalities, MDS transformation, and AML.1 157 201 202 Risk of MDS and AML development appears to be confined to the subset of patients with congenital neutropenia.1 157 201 202 Unknown what effect filgrastim has on the development of abnormal cytogenetics and the effect that continued administration has in patients with abnormal cytogenetics or MDS.1 157 201 202 Monitor for signs and symptoms of MDS/AML in these settings.1 157 201 202 Consider risks and benefits of continued therapy in patients with severe chronic neutropenia who develop abnormal cytogenetics or myelodysplasia.1 157 201 202
Aortitis
Signs and symptoms of aortitis (e.g., fever, abdominal pain, malaise, back pain, and increased inflammatory markers) have been reported and may occur as soon as the initial week of treatment.1 145 157 201 202 Discontinue if aortitis suspected.1 145 157 201 202
Nuclear Imaging
Transient positive bone imaging changes may occur due to increased hematopoietic bone marrow activity.1 145 157 201 202 Consider these changes when interpreting bone imaging results.1 145 157 201 202
Alveolar Hemorrhage and Hemoptysis
Alveolar hemorrhage and hemoptysis necessitating hospitalization reported in patients undergoing PBPC collection mobilization.1 145 157 201 202 Discontinuation of therapy resulted in hemoptysis resolution.1 145 157 201 202 Use for PBPC mobilization in healthy donors is not an approved use.1 145 157 201 202
Cutaneous Vasculitis
Cutaneous vasculitis reported; severity ranging from moderate to severe.1 157 201 202 Majority of patients administered long-term therapy for severe chronic neutropenia.1 157 201 202 If cutaneous vasculitis occurs, hold filgrastim therapy.1 157 201 202 When symptom resolution occurs and ANC decreases, may reinitiate at a reduced dosage.1 157 201 202
Simultaneous Use with Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
Safety and efficacy of filgrastim products administered simultaneously with cytotoxic chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy have not been established.1 145 157 201 202 Avoid simultaneous use.1 145 157 201 202
Do not use in the period 24 hours before through 24 hours after the administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy.1 145 157 201 202
Immunogenicity
Anti-drug antibodies have been detected with filgrastim product use.1 145 157 201 202
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
No link between filgrastim use during pregnancy and the occurrence of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes established.1 157 201 202
Tbo-filgrastim should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential fetal risk.145
Lactation
Case reports describe use of filgrastim in breast-feeding mothers; no adverse effects observed in exposed infants.1 157 201 202 No data exist regarding effects on milk production.1 157 201 202 Consider benefits of breast-feeding and mother’s need for filgrastim against any potential adverse effects on breast-feeding infant or underlying maternal condition.1 157 201 202
No data are available regarding presence of tbo-filgrastim in breastmilk, effects on the breastfed child, or effects on milk production.145
Pediatric Use
In a study of patients with cancer administered myelosuppressive chemotherapy, 15 pediatric patients were administered filgrastim doses of 5, 10, or 15 mcg/kg/day for 10 days.1 157 201 202 Pharmacokinetics of filgrastim in pediatric patients after chemotherapy administration comparable to those seen in adults.1 157 201 202 Filgrastim also well tolerated with the only consistently reported adverse event being musculoskeletal pain.1 157 201 202
Effectiveness and safety of filgrastim in pediatric patients with severe chronic neutropenia also established.1 157 201 202 A postmarketing surveillance study included 429 pediatric patients with severe chronic neutropenia.1 157 201 202 Results suggest that height and weight are not adversely affected in patients administered up to 5 years of filgrastim therapy.1 157 201 202 Limited data do not suggest alterations in sexual maturation or endocrine function as well.1 157 201 202
Development of cytogenetic abnormalities and transformation to MDS and AML have occurred in pediatric patients with congenital types of neutropenia given long-term therapy.1 157 201 202 Relationship between filgrastim administration and these adverse events is unknown.1 157 201 202
Administration of filgrastim to increase survival in pediatric patients acutely exposed to myelosuppressive radiation doses based on results from animal studies and clinical data supporting use in other indications.1
Tbo-filgrastim is approved for use in pediatric patients >1 month old with non-myeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy associated with a clinically significant incidence of febrile neutropenia, to reduce the duration of severe neutropenia.145 Approval based on evidence from studies in adults and additional safety and pharmacokinetics data from a trial of 50 pediatric patients with solid tumors administered tbo-filgrastim.145 203
Geriatric Use
For patients administered myelosuppressive chemotherapy, no differences in effectiveness or safety observed between older and younger patients.1 157 201 202
For other approved indications, insufficient numbers of patients ≥65 years of age to determine whether response was different from younger patients.1 157 201 202
In clinical studies of tbo-filgrastim, no differences in effectiveness or safety observed between patients ≥65 years of age and younger patients.145
Renal Impairment
Increased filgrastim concentrations noted in patients with end-stage renal disease as compared to healthy subjects and patients with moderate renal impairment.1 157 201 202 Pharmacokinetics of tbo-filgrastim not studied in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment; mild renal impairment had no effect on tbo-filgrastim pharmacokinetics.145
Hepatic Impairment
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of filgrastim were comparable between healthy subjects and patients with hepatic impairment (mild to moderate).1 157 201 202 Pharmacokinetics of tbo-filgrastim not evaluated in hepatic impairment.145
Common Adverse Effects
Most common (≥5% difference compared to placebo) adverse reactions in patients with non-myeloid malignancies administered myelosuppressive chemotherapy receiving filgrastim and biosimilars include pyrexia, pain, rash, cough, dyspnea.1 157 201 202
Most common (≥2% difference compared to placebo) adverse reactions in patients with AML receiving filgrastim and biosimilars include pain, epistaxis, rash.1 157 201 202
Most common (≥5% difference compared to placebo) adverse reaction in patients with non-myeloid malignancies undergoing myeloablative chemotherapy followed by BMT receiving filgrastim and biosimilars includes rash.1 157 201 202
Most common (≥5%) adverse reactions in patients undergoing PBPC mobilization and collection receiving filgrastim and biosimilars include bone pain, pyrexia, headache.1 157 201 202
Most common (≥5% difference compared to placebo) adverse reactions in patients with severe chronic neutropenia receiving filgrastim and biosimilars include pain, anemia, epistaxis, diarrhea, hypoesthesia, alopecia.1 157 201 202
Most common (≥1%) adverse reaction for patients administered tbo-filgrastim is bone pain.145
Drug Interactions
No formal drug interaction studies performed.1 145 157 201 202
Filgrastim Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Exhibits nonlinear pharmacokinetics.1 145 157 201 202
Filgrastim is rapidly absorbed following sub-Q injection.9 92 95 Peak serum concentrations generally are attained within 4–5 hours.4 9 92 95
Absolute bioavailability of filgrastim after sub-Q administration: 60–70%.1 157 193 201 202
Median time to peak plasma concentrations of sub-Q tbo-filgrastim in patients with cancer: approximately 4–6 hours.145 153 Absolute bioavailability of tbo-filgrastim following sub-Q injection: approximately 33%.145
Distribution
Filgrastim is rapidly distributed in animals, appearing in highest concentrations in bone marrow, adrenal glands, kidney, and liver.95
Volume of distribution of filgrastim following a single IV or sub-Q dose averages 150 mL/kg (range: 46–384 mL/kg) in both healthy individuals and patients with cancer.1 95
Unknown whether filgrastim is distributed into CSF.95 Published literature exists documenting filgrastim transfer into human milk.1 157 There have been reports of transplacental passage of filgrastim products in pregnant women when administered within 30 hours of preterm delivery.1 157 201 202
Elimination
Elimination Route
Eliminated by both renal elimination and specific degradation by G-CSF receptors and neutrophil elastase.1 194
Clearance dependent on filgrastim concentration and neutrophil count; G-CSF receptor-mediated clearance saturated by high concentrations of filgrastim and diminished by neutropenia.1
Half-life
Manufacturer states that the elimination half-life of filgrastim following sub-Q or IV administration averages 3.5 hours (range: 0.77–8.5 hours)1 95 157 in healthy individuals or patients with cancer.1
Median elimination half-life of tbo-filgrastim in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy is 3.2–3.8 hours;145 153 in healthy individuals, median half-life of the drug was approximately 8.9 hours.153
Stability
Storage
Parenteral
Injection
Filgrastim (Neupogen): Store prefilled syringe or vial under refrigeration (2° to 8°C); protect from light.1 Prior to administration, remove from refrigeration and allow to reach room temperature for at least 30 minutes and no more than 24 hours.1 Avoid freezing; however, if frozen, thaw in refrigerator prior to administration.1 Discard any prefilled syringe or vial frozen more than once or left at room temperature for >24 hours.1
Tbo-filgrastim (Granix): Store prefilled syringe or vial under refrigeration (2° to 8°C); protect from light.145 Prior to administration, remove from refrigeration and allow to reach room temperature for at least 30 minutes.145 May be removed from refrigeration for a single period of up to 5 days between 23° to 27°C and returned to refrigeration, up to product expiration date, if not used during the 5 day period.145 Exposure to -1° to -5°C for up to 72 hours and temperatures as low as -15° to -25°C for up to 24 hours do not adversely affect stability.145
Filgrastim biosimilars (Zarxio; Nivestym; Releuko): Store prefilled syringe or vial under refrigeration (2° to 8°C); protect from light.157 201 202 Prior to administration, remove the Zarxio prefilled syringe from refrigeration and allow to reach room temperature for at least 30 minutes and for a maximum of 4 days.157 Avoid freezing; however, if frozen, thaw in refrigerator prior to administration.157 Discard any prefilled syringe frozen more than once or left at room temperature for >4 days.157 Prior to administration, remove the Nivestym and Releukoprefilled syringe or vial from refrigeration and allow to reach room temperature for at least 30 minutes and no more than 24 hours.201 202 Avoid freezing; however, if Nivestym is frozen, thaw in refrigerator prior to administration.201 Do not freeze Releuko.202 Discard any prefilled syringe or vial frozen more than once or left at room temperature for >24 hours.201 202
Actions
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Filgrastim, tbo-filgrastim, and biosimilars are hematopoietic agents that principally influence leukopoiesis.1 4 23 32 76 78 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 103 145 157 201 202
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Appear to elicit the same pharmacologic effects produced by endogenous human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF).1 4 23 32 76 157
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Endogenous G-CSF, a growth factor, is a lineage-restricted CSF that principally affects the proliferation, differentiation, and activation of committed progenitor cells of the neutrophil-granulocyte lineage.1 4 26 32 42 45 50 76 84 85 87 103
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In addition, endogenous G-CSF enhances certain functions of mature neutrophils, including phagocytosis, chemotaxis, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).1 4 17 32 33 42 50 76 87 96 103
Advice to Patients
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Instruct patients who self-administer filgrastim products as to the proper administration and disposal procedures.1 145 157 201 202
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Advise patients of the potential risk of serious allergic reactions.1 145 157 201 202 Symptoms may include rash, shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, swelling around the mouth or eyes, fast heart rate, and sweating.1 145 157 201 202
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Inform patients of the potential risk for rupture or enlargement of the spleen.1 145 157 201 202 Patients should report any pain in the left upper stomach area or left shoulder to their healthcare provider.1 145 157 201 202
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Advise patients of the risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome.1 145 157 201 202 Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if any shortness of breath (with or without a fever), trouble breathing, or fast breathing occurs.1 145 157 201 202
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Inform patients with sickle cell disease to report any symptoms of sickle cell crisis (e.g., pain, difficulty breathing) to their healthcare provider.1 145 157 201 202
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Advise patients of the potential for kidney injury.1 145 157 201 202 Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if any swelling of the face or ankles, blood in the urine or dark colored urine, or urination less frequently than normal occurs.1 145 157 201 202
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Advise patients to report any unusual bleeding or bruising to their healthcare provider.1 157 201 202
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Inform patients of the potential risk of capillary leak syndrome.1 145 157 201 202 Advise patients to contact emergency medical services if any of the following symptoms occur: trouble breathing, swelling of the stomach area and feeling of fullness, dizziness or feeling faint, swelling or puffiness, a reduction in urination, and a general feeling of tiredness.1 145 157 201 202
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Inform patients of the potential for aortitis (inflammation of the aorta).1 145 157 201 202 Advise patients to report any symptoms of aortitis (e.g., fever, abdominal pain, feeling tired, back pain) to their healthcare provider.1 145 157 201 202
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Advise patients with breast or lung cancer of the increased risk of development of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with therapy when used in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and inform patients with congenital neutropenia who receive filgrastim of this potential increased risk as well.1 157 201 202 These patients should report any tiredness, fever, and easy bruising or bleeding to their healthcare provider.1 157 201 202
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Inform patients of the potential risk of cutaneous vasculitis.1 145 157 201 202 Advise patients to report signs or symptoms of vasculitis (e.g., purpura, erythema) to their healthcare provider immediately.1 145 157 201 202
-
Inform clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs and dietary or herbal supplements, as well as any concomitant illnesses.1 145 157 201 202
-
Importance of females informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.1 145 157 201 202
-
Inform patients of other important precautionary information.1 145 157 201 202
Additional Information
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided in the accompanying monograph was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. Readers are advised that decisions regarding use of drugs are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and that the information contained in the monograph is provided for informational purposes only. The manufacturer’s labeling should be consulted for more detailed information. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information contained in the monograph is not a substitute for medical care.
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.
Routes |
Dosage Forms |
Strengths |
Brand Names |
Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Parenteral |
Injection, for IV or subcutaneous use |
300 mcg/mL (300 and 480 mcg) |
Neupogen (available in single-dose vials) |
Amgen |
600 mcg/mL (300 and 480 mcg) |
Neupogen (available in prefilled syringes with UltraSafe needle guard) |
Amgen |
Routes |
Dosage Forms |
Strengths |
Brand Names |
Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Parenteral |
Injection, for IV or subcutaneous use |
600 mcg/mL (300 and 480 mcg) |
Zarxio (available in prefilled syringes with UltraSafe Passive needle guard) |
Sandoz |
Routes |
Dosage Forms |
Strengths |
Brand Names |
Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Parenteral |
Injection, for IV or subcutaneous use |
600 mcg/mL (300 and 480 mg) |
Nivestym (available in prefilled syringes with UltraSafe Passive needle guard) |
|
300 mcg/mL (300 and 480 mcg) |
Nivestym (available in single-dose vials) |
Routes |
Dosage Forms |
Strengths |
Brand Names |
Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Parenteral |
Injection, for subcutaneous use |
600 mg/mL (300 mcg and 480 mcg) |
Releuko (available in prefilled syringes with UltraSafe Passive needle guard) |
Amneal Pharmaceuticals |
300 mcg/mL (300 mcg and 480 mcg) |
Releuko (available in single-dose vials) |
Routes |
Dosage Forms |
Strengths |
Brand Names |
Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Parenteral |
Injection, for subcutaneous use |
600 mcg/mL (300 and 480 mcg) |
Granix (available in prefilled syringes with or without UltraSafe Passive needle guard) |
Teva |
300 mcg/mL (300 and 480 mg) |
Granix (available in single-dose vials) |
Teva |
AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2025, Selected Revisions February 10, 2024. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
† Off-label: Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
References
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138. Moore JO, Dodge RK, Amrein PC et al. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (filgrastim) accelerates granulocyte recovery after intensive postremission chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia with aziridinyl benzoquinone and mitoxantrone: Cancer and Leukemia Group B study 9022. Blood. 1997; 89(3)780-788.
139. Ogata K, An E, Kamikubo K et al. Repeated cycles of G-CSF-combined postremission chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia in a first complete remission: a pilot study. Stem Cells. 1998; 16(4):280-7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9708450
140. Jakubowski A, Gordon M, Tafuri A et al. A pilot study of the biologic and therapeutic effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (filgrastim) in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia. Leukemia. 1995; 9(11):1799-1804. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7475265
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