Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It is given as a shot under your skin (usually in the abdomen, front of the middle thighs, upper outer areas of the buttocks, or upper back portion of the upper arms).

You may be taught how to give this medicine at home. Make sure you understand all of the instructions before giving yourself an injection. Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet and patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about:

  • How to prepare the injection.
  • The proper use of disposable syringes.
  • How to give the injection.
  • How long the injection can be stored at home.

This medicine is available in two forms: a vial (glass container) or a prefilled syringe. These are the dosage forms that you can use at home.

Allow the medicine to warm to room temperature for 30 minutes before you inject it. If the liquid in the syringe or vial has changed color, looks cloudy, or if you see particles in it, do not use it. Do not shake the syringe or vial.

Each syringe or vial of medicine is good for only one dose. Throw the syringe or vial away after your dose. Do not save unused medicine from an opened syringe or vial.

You should not use this medicine within 24 hours (1 day) before or after receiving cancer medicine or radiation treatments. Also do not use it within 24 hours before you begin another dose of chemotherapy.

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 injectable dosage form:
    • For neutropenia:
      • Adults and children 1 month of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 5 microgram per kilogram (mcg/kg) of body weight injected under the skin per day.
      • Children younger than 1 month of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

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 until you are ready to use it. You may store it at room temperature for up to 5 days, and if not used can be returned to the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medicine that has been left at room temperature for more than 5 days.

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

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2023