Studies show that people who undergo chemotherapy for certain cancers and other types of radiation sickness are prone to severe infections. To treat these infections, doctors prescribe a biologic medication, known as neulasta (Pegfilgrastim). The drug is available as an injection and a skin patch. It is a brand-name drug prescription drug that comes as a liquid solution and is administered as an injection in two ways:
- From a syringe: Neulasta prefilled syringe is used to administer this type of injection. The drug will be administered via your skin. Your doctor will administer the injection, or teach you how to do it yourself.
- Through a special type of skin patch: Neulasta Onpro is used to deliver the drug through skin patches. Neulasta Onpro, also known as an on-body injector, is a special type of patch that is attached to the body on the day you undergo chemotherapy. The drug moves through the patch into your body as an injection beneath your skin.
Neulasta can be used to prevent severe infections in adults and some children. However, the Neulasta Onpro patch is only used to prevent severe infection in adults undergoing chemotherapy.
Neulasta is referred to as a biological drug because it is synthesized from living organisms. It is a synthetic copy of a hormone that is produced naturally in the body. The drug is like a generic drug and is available in biosimilar forms. However, unlike generics, which are produced for non-biological drugs, biosimilars are produced for biological drugs.
This article will discuss Neulasta’s side effects, dosage and other important things you need to know. Read on to learn more about Neulasta.
Side Effects of Neulasta
Neulasta can lead to mild or serious side effects. It is important to note that the side effect you experience depends on certain factors, such as:
- Your age
- Other health conditions you have
- Other drugs you may be using
You can visit your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information on the side effects of Neulasta. Your doctor may also recommend ways to help treat side effects.