What is Zarxio?
Zarxio (filgrastim-sndz) is employed for treating neutropenia (lack of white blood cells) when patients are taking certain chemotherapy drugs, going through a bone marrow transplant, or due to other ailments.Zarxio can be used to reduce the risk of contracting infection among those with non-myeloid-related cancer (cancer that doesn't involve bones marrow) or who are taking chemotherapy drugs that can reduce the amount of neutrophils (a blood type required to fight infections).
Zarxio is used in addition to aiding in increasing the amount of blood-forming white cells and reducing the duration of time that fever is present for patients suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia (AML, a kind of cancer affecting these white blood cells) that are being treated using chemotherapy drugs.
Zarxio is also prescribed to patients undergoing bone marrow transplants as well as those suffering from acute chronic neutropenia (a condition where there are very few neutrophils found in the blood).Zarxio can also be used in the preparation of blood to be used in leukapheresis (a procedure in which specific blood cells are eliminated from the body).
Filgrastim-sndz is part of a group of medicines known as colony-stimulating factors. It is a stimulant for the development of neutrophils, the type of white blood cells that play a crucial role in fighting infections.
Warnings
Zarxio may result in serious lung problems known as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as well as an uncommon but severe consequence called capillary leak syndrome. Call your doctor or get medical emergency attention promptly if you notice symptoms of fever and breathing problems, including shortness of breath, fast breathing, nasal congestion or dryness, fatigue, decreased thirst, and sudden swelling and the weight of your body.
Zarxio may cause the spleen to be large and bloated, which can cause it to break (tear). Call your physician immediately if you are experiencing abdominal pain on the left side or shoulder pain.
Similar/related drug
fluconazole, Diflucan, Cisplatin, Neulasta, Filgrastim, Neupogen, and Pegfilgrastim
Before you take this drug
There is no need to take Zarxio in the event that you have an allergy to filgrastim-sndz and other factors that stimulate granulocytes, including pegfilgrastim, tbo-filgrastim, sargramostim, or eflapegrastim.
The use of Zarxio could increase the risk of developing myelodysplastic disorder (MDS), also known as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), in the event that you are suffering from certain medical issues. Talk to your physician regarding this chance.
To ensure that Zarxio is not harmful to you, inform your physician that you've had:
- Sickle cell anemia (a hemoglobin blood cell disorder);
- Allergies to latex;
- Treatments using radiation;
- Kidney disease.
It's not clear whether filgrastim-sndz can harm the unborn child. Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to get pregnant.
Check with your physician for advice on whether you are able to feed your baby while taking the medicine.
How to take Zarxio?
Utilize Zarxio strictly as recommended by your physician. Be sure to follow the directions printed on your prescription label and go through all the medication manuals or instructions. The doctor might change the dosage of your medication.Zarxio can be injected beneath the skin (subcutaneously). The healthcare professional may instruct you or your loved ones on the proper use of this drug at home.Doses are calculated based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.
Your doctor will inform you of the location where you can inject Zarxio. Don't inject in the same spot twice within one row.Avoid injecting into regions where the skin is fragile, bruised, difficult to work on, or red. Beware of injecting areas with marks or stretch marks.Don't alter your dosage or cease taking medication on your own without consulting with your physician.
The dosage you require may alter depending on the strength, brand, or type of medication. Be sure to use only the medication your physician recommends. Don't switch brands without consulting your doctor.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for help if you aren't sure how to make an injection.Make an injection only if you're prepared to administer it. Inform your pharmacist if the medicine appears cloudy, has changed color, or contains particles.Don't reuse needles or the syringe. Put them inside an impervious puncture "sharps" container and dispose of them in accordance with local or state laws. Make sure they are out of the reach of pets and children.If you're taking Zarxio due to chemotherapy, the final dose of Zarxio is to be administered at least 24 hours prior to your chemotherapy's next dose.
Your physician will perform blood tests prior to and during treatment using Zarxio to assess the number of blood cells in your body and also to look for adverse consequences.Filgrastim can alter the outcomes of some medical tests. Be sure to inform any doctor treating your condition that you're using Zarxio.Place Zarxio syringes that are prefilled in the original container in a room-temperature refrigerator away from sunlight. Don't freeze, and don't shake.
Avoid heating the medicine in the sun, in water, or in an oven.The medicine should be removed from the refrigerator and allowed to be at room temperature for about 30 minutes prior to use. Be sure to not keep Zarxio in the refrigerator for more than 24 hours.Dispose of a vial or syringe (bottle) at the end of one usage, even if there's remaining medicine inside.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Consult your doctor when you have missed the dosage.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency treatment or dial for help at the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Beware of people with illnesses or infections. Contact your doctor immediately if you begin to show signs of an infection.
Side effects of Zarxio
Take immediate medical assistance. If you are experiencing symptoms that are warning signs of an allergic reaction, Zarxio symptoms include hives, the sensation of sweating, redness, a fast heart rate, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or swelling on your lips, face, throat, or tongue.
Zarxio may result in a severe lung condition known as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and an extremely rare and serious adverse effect known as capillary leak syndrome. Call your doctor or get medical emergency attention immediately if you experience symptoms of a fever, the feeling of having a short breath or fast breathing, a runny or stuffy nose that is followed by fatigue, decreased thirst, sudden swelling, and an increase in weight.
Zarxio may make your spleen larger and could break or tear. Call your doctor immediately if you experience lower stomach pain that is left-sided or shoulder pain.Certain side effects can occur during the course of an injection. Inform your physician if you are feeling faint, dizzy, lightheaded, or sweaty. or experience headaches, chest tightness, back discomfort, breathing problems, or swelling of your facial area.Zarxio may cause serious side effects. Consult your doctor immediately. If you suffer from:
- Simple bruising, strange bleeding, and red or purple areas of your skin underneath your skin
- Fever, tiredness, stomach pain, back pain;
- Indicators for the sickle cell crisis the symptoms include pain and difficulty breathing.
- An inflammation of blood vessels such as tingling or numbness or a skin rash, headache, fever, or body pains; sweating at night; weight loss; feeling fatigued or weak;
- Kidney disorders: swelling, urination less frequently, being tired or feeling tired, or being short of breath.
Common Zarxio side effects can be:
- Discomfort, coughing, and difficult breathing
- Nosebleeds;
- Anemia (low levels of red blood cells);
- Bones pain
- Diarrhea;
- Headache;
- Numbness
- Rash, and hair loss.
This is not an exhaustive listing of all side effects. Other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse consequences. It is possible to report any side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Avoid using Zarxio for 24 hours prior to or following the treatment or 24 hours following a bone marrow transplant.
Other medicines can interfere with filgrastim-sndz. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbs. Inform your physician about any medications you take.
