Medicine & USMLE

Filgrastim

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Hematology Drugs
  1. Dabigatran / Argatroban
  2. Factor Xa Inhibitors (Rivaroxaban, Apixaban)
  3. Heparin
  4. Low Molecular Weight Heparins (Enoxaparin, Fondaparinux, Dalteparin)
  5. Warfarin
  6. Aspirin
  7. GPIIb/IIIa Inhibitors (Abciximab, Tirofiban, Eptifibatide)
  8. Clopidogrel
  9. Alteplase / tPA
  10. Iron
  11. Filgrastim
  12. Epoetin Alfa

Summary

Filgrastim is a medication used to treat leukopenia or neutropenia in patients. It works to increase the number of neutrophils in the body, and is most commonly used to combat a lowering of white blood cell counts associated with chemotherapy.

Key Points

  • Filgrastim
    • Mechanism
      • Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)
        • Stimulates the production of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell
      • Clinical Use
        • Leukopenia
          • Filgrastim is used to treat low white blood cell counts, especially low neutrophil counts (neutropenia)
          • Often used in patients undergoing chemotherapy
      • Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
        • Headache, rash, and epistaxis
        • Skeletal pain
          • Joint pain, muscle pain, and bone pain
        • Hypertension