What is Releuko?
Releuko treats neutropenia (lack of certain white blood cells) in patients who are receiving certain chemotherapy, have undergone a bone marrow transplant, or suffer from other conditions.Neupogen, Zarxio, and Nivestym are used for leukapheresis. This is a procedure where the white blood cells required for a stem-cell transplant are taken from the body.Neupogen can also be used by patients who have had a certain level of radiation exposure.Releuko can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Releuko
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical attention: hives; sweating; rash; dizziness; rapid heartbeats; wheezing; and difficulty breathing.
Leukocytosis may cause serious lung problems, such as acute respiratory distress sy
- Easy bruising or bleeding, or purple or red patches on your skin or beneath your skin
- Fever, tiredness, stomach pain, back pain;
- Signs of the sickle cell anemia crisis: pain and difficulty breathing
Inflammation of your blood vessels—numbness, tingling or nundrome. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience fever, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, a stuffy or running nose, followed by fatigue, thirst, decreased urine, sudden swelling, or weight gain.Releuko may cause your spleen to become enlarged and rupture. If you experience upper left stomach pain or shoulder pain, call your doctor immediately.Some side effects can occur during the injection. You should tell your doctor if you experience nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, itching, sweating, chest tightness, or backache.Leukocytosis may cause serious side effects. If you experience:numbness, skin rash or tingling; fever, headaches, body aches, or night sweats; loss of weight or feeling tired or weak.
- Kidney problems: swelling, decreased urination, fatigue, or shortness of breath
Leukocytosis can cause the following side effects:
- Coughing and difficulty breathing are symptoms of a fever.
- Nosebleeds;
- Anemia
- Bone pain
- Diarrhea;
- Headache;
- Numbness
- Rash, hair loss.
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Releuko may cause serious lung problems such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, or ARDS, or a rare but severe side effect known as capillary leak syndrome. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a fever, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, a stuffy or running nose, followed by fatigue, thirst, decreased urine, or sudden swelling or weight gain.Releuko may cause your spleen to rupture or become enlarged. If you experience upper left stomach pain or shoulder pain on the left side, call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
Releuko should not be used if you have an allergy to Releuko or any other granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, such as pegfilgrastim, sargramostim, or filgrastim.Leukocytosis can increase your risk for myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia if you suffer from certain medical conditions.Ask your doctor to explain the risks.
If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor.
- The hemoglobin-related disorder known as sickle cell disease (also called anemia of the blood cells)
- Latex allergy
- Radiation treatment
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
Releukoid is not known to harm unborn babies. Inform your doctor immediately if you plan to get pregnant or if you think that you may be pregnant.Ask your doctor if you can safely breastfeed if you are taking this medication.
How to take Releuko?
Follow the directions in the guide or instructions that come with the medication. Your doctor may change your dose. Take the medicine exactly as directed.Releukosomes can be injected into a vein or under the skin. You or your caregiver may be taught by a healthcare provider how to use this medication properly at home.Weight is taken into account when determining the dose. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.You will be shown by your healthcare provider where to inject Releuko. Do not repeat the injection in the same area.Avoid injecting into skin that is red, bruised, tender, or hard. Avoid injecting in areas with scars or stretch marks.You should not stop taking medication or change the dose without consulting your doctor.If you change the brand, strength, or form of a medicine, your dose requirements may be different. Use only the medication prescribed by your doctor to avoid medication mistakes. Switching brands without consulting your doctor is not recommended.If you're not sure how to inject an injection, ask your pharmacist or doctor.Prepare an injection only when you are ready to administer the drug. If the medicine is cloudy or has changed color, call your pharmacist.Never reuse a syringe or needle. Put them in a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof, and dispose of the sharps according to local or state laws. Keep away from children and pets.You will have to test your blood frequently. Releuko may require medical tests to determine the length of time you should use it.Leukocytosis can interfere with certain medical tests. Leukocytosis can affect the results of certain medical tests.Releuko should be stored in its original container in a dark refrigerator away from any light. Do not shake or freeze.Warm the medicine in a microwave, hot water, or sunlight.Let the medicine reach room temperature by removing it from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to use.Never leave Neupogen or Nivestim out for more than 24 hours. Zarxio should not be left out for more than four days.After one use, throw away the syringe (bottle) or vial (bottle), even if it still contains medicine.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss a dosage, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
For poison assistance, call 1-800-222-1222 or get immediate medical help.
What should be avoided?
Avoid being around people who are sick. If you notice any signs of infection, tell your doctor immediately.
Interaction with other drug
Releuko should not be used within 24 hours of receiving chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant.Releuko may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
