Filgrastim: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring
Cancer Patients Receiving Myelosuppressive Chemotherapy NEUPOGEN® is indicated to decrease the incidence of infection‚ as manifested by febrile neutropenia‚ in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppres
- Data source
- FDA labeling via NIH DailyMed (label 3bc802bd…)
- Label version
- current
- Last reviewed
- 2026
Reported adverse reactions
Reactions listed in current FDA labeling, with the highest frequency reported across summarized placebo-controlled trials.
| Adverse reaction (as reported in labeling) | Reported frequency* |
|---|---|
| Nausea/vomiting | 64% |
| Neutropenic fever | 35% |
| Alopecia | 27% |
| Diarrhea | 23% |
| Skeletal pain | 22% |
| Mucositis | 20% |
| Fatigue | 16% |
| Fever | 12% |
| Anorexia | 11% |
| Dyspnea | 11% |
| Stomatitis | 10% |
| Constipation | 10% |
| Headache | 9% |
| Skin rash | 9% |
| Sore throat | 9% |
| Cough | 8% |
| Generalized weakness | 7% |
| Pain (unspecified) | 7% |
| Chest pain | 6% |
*Highest percentage reported for the active moiety across placebo-controlled trial tables in current FDA labeling. Values reflect trial reporting, not your individual risk.
Labeled uses (from FDA prescribing information)
Cancer Patients Receiving Myelosuppressive Chemotherapy NEUPOGEN® is indicated to decrease the incidence of infection‚ as manifested by febrile neutropenia‚ in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive anti-cancer drugs associated with a significant incidence of severe neutropenia with fever (see CLINICAL EXPERIENCE ). A complete blood count (CBC) and platelet count should be obtained prior to chemotherapy‚ and twice per week (see LABORATORY MONITORING ) during NEUPOGEN® therapy to avoid leukocytosis and to monitor the neutrophil count. In phase 3 clinical studies‚ NEUPOGEN® therapy was discontinued when the ANC was ≥ 10‚000/mm3 after the expected chemotherapy-induced nadir. Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia Receiving Induction or Consolidation Chemotherapy NEUPOGEN® is indicated for reducing the time to neutrophil recovery and the duration of fever, following induction or consolidation chemotherapy treatment of adults with AML. Cancer Patients Receiving Bone Marrow Transplant NEUPOGEN® is indicated to reduce the duration of neutropenia and neutropenia-related clinical sequelae‚ eg‚ febrile neutropenia‚ in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies undergoing m…
Conditions associated with Filgrastim in labeling
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Filgrastim used for?
FDA labeling lists the approved uses shown above under "Labeled uses." This summary is informational; only a qualified prescriber can determine whether a medication is appropriate for you.
What are the most commonly reported side effects of Filgrastim?
The table above shows adverse reactions and the highest frequencies reported in placebo-controlled trials summarized in current FDA labeling for Filgrastim. Individual risk varies.
Does Filgrastim require lab monitoring?
Monitoring needs vary. Ask your healthcare provider whether any lab tests apply while taking Filgrastim.
Where does this information come from?
All clinical facts on this page were extracted from the current FDA-registered product labeling for this ingredient, published by manufacturers through NIH DailyMed. See the source link below.
Medical disclaimer: Educational content extracted from public FDA labeling. Not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.