Sargramostim
Generic name: sargramostim [ sar-GRA-moe-stim ]
Brand name: Leukine
Dosage form: injectable powder for injection (250 mcg)
Drug class:Colony stimulating factors
What is sargramostim?
Sargramostim is a man-made form of a protein that stimulates the growth of white blood cells in your body. White blood cells help your body fight against infection.
Sargramostim is used in adults and children who are at least 2 years old, to help prevent serious infection in conditions such as leukemia, bone marrow transplant, and pre-chemotherapy blood cell collection.
Sargramostim is also used to lower the risk of death from bone marrow suppression after exposure to radiation in adults and children as young as newborns.
Sargramostim may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Do not use sargramostim within 24 hours before you receive chemotherapy or radiation, or within 24 hours after chemotherapy.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use sargramostim if you are allergic to sargramostim, filgrastim, or yeast.
Sargramostim may contain an ingredient that can cause serious side effects or death in very young or low birth-weight babies. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart disease;
lung disease;
an allergy to benzyl alcohol; or
a buildup of fluid around your lungs (also called pleural effusion).
Using sargramostim may increase your risk of tumor growth or blood cancers. Ask your doctor about these risks.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You should not breast-feed while using sargramostim and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
How should I use sargramostim?
Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using sargramostim.
Sargramostim is injected under the skin, or given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
When injected into a vein, the infusion may take up to 24 hours to complete.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use sargramostim if you don't understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
Do not shake this medicin...