Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

A nurse or other trained health professional may give you this medicine. It is given through a needle placed into one of your veins or as a shot under your skin (usually in the stomach, thigh, or outer part of the upper arm). .

You may be taught how to give this medicine at home. Make sure you understand all of the instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

This medicine should come with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

This medicine is available in a powder form. You must mix the powder with another liquid before using it.

To use this medicine as a shot under your skin:

  • You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. This will help prevent skin problems from the injections. Do not inject into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, hard, or has scars or stretch marks.
  • Check the mixed liquid inside the vial. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use it if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it. Do not shake.
  • Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For injection dosage form (powder for solution):
    • To increase white blood cell count:
      • Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 250 micrograms per square meter (mcg/m2) injected under the skin once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • To increase survival in patients who have been exposed to radiation:
      • Adults and children weighing more than 40 kilograms (kg)—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 7 micrograms per kilogram (mcg/kg) injected under the skin once a day.
      • Children weighing 15 kg to 40 kg—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 10 mcg/kg injected under the skin once a day.
      • Children weighing less than 15 kg—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 12 mcg/kg injected under the skin once a day.

Missed Dose

This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Keep this medicine in its original container. The mixed liquid has different storage directions based on what kind of liquid it was mixed with.

Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container where the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

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