Neulasta® helps protect against febrile neutropenia before it strikes
The risk of neutropenic events is greatest in the first cycle of chemotherapy1
Neulasta® is a protein produced by recombinant DNA technology that stimulates the production of neutrophils during neutropenia.
More than 50% of initial episodes of febrile neutropenia occur in cycle 1 across tumor types.1 Recent data show that Neulasta® can reduce this risk.
Neulasta® significantly reduces the incidence of febrile neutropenia compared with placebo (P<0.001) in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy associated with >17% risk of developing neutropenia (without growth factor support).2-4 View Trials and Studies of Neulasta®.
References
1. Crawford J, Wolff DA, Culakova E, et al, for the ANC Study Group. First cycle risk of severe and febrile neutropenia in cancer patients receiving systemic chemotherapy: results from a prospective nationwide study. Poster presented at: 46TH Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology; December 4-7, 2004. San Diego, CA. Poster 2210.
2. Vogel CL, Wojtukiewicz MZ, Carroll RR, Tjulandin SA, Barajas-Figueroa LJ, Wiens BL, Neumann TA, Schwartzberg LS. First and subsequent cycle use of pegfilgrastim prevents febrile neutropenia in patients with breast cancer: a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III study. J Clin Oncol. 2005;23:1178-84.
3. Vogel C, Rader M, Tjulandin S, Wiens B, Neumann T, Carroll R. Pegfilgrastim nearly abrogates the occurrence of neutropenic events early in the course of chemotherapy: results of a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of patients with breast cancer receiving docetaxel. Abstract presented at: 27 th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: December 8-11, 2004; San Antonio, TX. Abstract 5044.
4. Schwartzberg L, Tjulandin S, Wojtukiewicz M, Barajas-Figueroa LJ, Palmer M, Nuemann T. Prophylactic pegfilgrastim significantly reduces the incidence of febrile neutropenia, hospitalizations, and IV anti-infective use in patients with breast cancer receiving docetaxel: a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Support Cancer Care. 2004;12:382. Abstract A-52.
Neulasta® Indication and Important Product Safety Information
Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) is prescribed to reduce the risk of infection (initially marked by fever) in patients with some tumors receiving strong chemotherapy that decreases the number of infection-fighting white blood cells.
Important product safety information
Ruptured spleen (including fatal cases), serious allergic reactions, and a serious lung problem called acute respiratory distress syndrome have been reported. Call your doctor or seek emergency care right away if you have abdominal or shoulder tip pain, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, a fast rate of breathing, or any allergic reaction. The most common side effect of this injection is mild to moderate bone pain. If you have any questions about this information, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
