Sargramostim, GM-CSF injection
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What is sargramostim injection?
SARGRAMOSTIM, GM-CSF (Leukine®) stimulates the formation of white blood cells. Sargramostim is similar to a natural substance in the body, called human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Sargramostim helps the bone marrow to recover its ability to produce white blood cells. Sargramostim can help patients who have rejection or a delayed response to bone marrow transplants. Generic sargramostim injections are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• heart failure
• irregular heartbeat
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to sargramostim, yeast, benzyl alcohol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Sargramostim is for injection into a vein, or under the skin. A health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting may give sargramostim or you may be given sargramostim for home use. If you are given sargramostim for home use, you will be instructed in the proper injection technique. Make sure you understand how to prepare and give sargramostim before giving it at home. Follow the directions exactly. Always wash your hands before use. Only use a disposable syringe once. Always change the site for the injection under the skin. Let the solution warm to room temperature before you use it. Do not shake the solution before you withdraw a dose. Throw away any unused portion after 6 hours.
What if I miss a dose?
Try not to miss doses. If you miss a dose take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take double doses unless told to by your prescriber or health care professional.What drug(s) may interact with sargramostim?
• medicines for cancer chemotherapy
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking sargramostim?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress (once or twice a week) and for blood tests.
If you get a fever or any sign of infection while you are using sargramostim, do not treat yourself. Check with your prescriber or health care professional.
Sargramostim may produce a first-dose reaction, you may feel flushed, faint or dizzy, or weak.
Bone pain can usually be relieved by mild pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®); however, check with your prescriber or health care professional before taking these medicines as they may hide a fever. Call your prescriber or health care professional if the aches and pains are severe or do not go away.
What side effects may I notice from receiving sargramostim?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• dizziness, fainting
• fever
• fluid retention (swelling of legs or ankles)
• flushing
• palpitations
• weight gain
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• bone pain (ribs, lower back, breast bone)
• chills
• flu-like symptoms
• headache
• joint pain
• pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• skin rash
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children. Store in a refrigerator between 2—8 degrees C (36—46 degrees F); do not freeze. After mixing the injection solution, do not shake. Throw away any unused solution after 6 hours. Do not use if the solution is discolored or particulate matter is present. Throw away any unused vials after the expiration date.
Make sure you receive a puncture-resistant container to dispose of the needles and syringes once you have finished with them. Do not reuse these items. Return the container to your prescriber or health care professional for proper disposal.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
