Cancer Fighters Thrive is a quarterly print and online magazine bringing readers practical, innovative and inspirational information about cancer treatment and survivorship.
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For Adults on Strong Chemotherapy Help Boost Your Natural Defenses with Neulasta® (pegflgrastim) After Every Chemo Cycle What Can Happen to White Blood Cells During Strong Chemo Strong chemotherapy can lower the number of infection-fighting white blood cells in your body, putting you at risk of infection. Neulasta® Helps Boost White Blood Cells Injected 24 hours after each cycle of chemotherapy, Neulasta® may help boost your white blood cell count, and reduce your risk of infection while undergoing strong chemotherapy. Indication Neulasta® is a prescription medication used 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. Neulasta® may not prevent all infections. Important Safety Information Do not take Neulasta® if you have had an allergic reaction to Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) or to NEUPOGEN® (Filgrastim). Tell your doctor if you have a sickle cell disorder before using Neulasta®. Ruptured spleen (including fatal cases), a serious lung problem called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), serious allergic reactions, and sickle cell crises can occur. Call your doctor or seek emergency care right away if you have: pain in the left upper stomach area or left shoulder tip pain (symptoms of an enlarged or ruptured spleen); shortness of breath, trouble breathing, or a fast rate of breathing (symptoms of ARDS); shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, swelling around the mouth or eyes, fast pulse, sweating, and hives (symptoms of an allergic reaction); or if you have pain or difficulty breathing (symptoms of sickle cell crises). The most common side effect you may experience is aching in the bones and muscles. 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. Please see brief summary of Important Product Information on the previous page. You may be at risk of infection throughout all of your chemotherapy treatment. Discuss infection risk factors with your healthcare provider, and ask if Neulasta® is right for you. Help limit your co-pay (based on eligibility) Co-Pay Coupon Card The Neulasta FIRST STEP® Program can help eligible patients with commercial insurance cover their Neulasta dose deductible, co-insurance, and/or co-pay requirements. Certain limitations apply. Log on to www.AmgenFIRSTSTEP.com or call 1-888-657-8371 for a complete list of eligibility requirements and program restrictions. Learn more at www.Neulasta.com © 2013 Amgen Inc. All rights reserved. 65494-R4-V2