Indication

Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) 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 clinically significant incidence of febrile neutropenia... Read More
Neulasta® is not indicated for the mobilization of peripheral blood progenitor cells for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Neulasta®: More than 20 years of helping patients reduce their FN risk

Header image for Risk of Febrile Neutropenia page

200K patients icon

Nearly 200,000 hospitalizations were caused by FN in just one year1,*

According to recent estimates, each FN event costs $46,793 (on average), including hospitalization and discharge treatment2,†

The average length of stay for FN-related hospitalization is 8.4 days.3,‡

*Based on a retrospective database analysis analyzing inpatient hospitalization discharges from 2016 to 2018. The primary objective was to estimate the total number of FN-related hospitalizations among adult patients in the United States during the years 2016, 2017, and 2018 using hospitalization discharge data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS). The NIS is the largest publicly available all-payer inpatient healthcare database designed to produce US regional and national estimates of inpatient utilization, access, charges, quality, and outcomes. Unweighted, it contains data from more than 7 million hospital stays each year. Weighted, it estimates more than 35 million hospitalizations nationally. FN was defined as a hospitalized patient discharge record with: a cancer diagnosis code and a neutropenia diagnosis code and a (fever or infection) diagnosis code.1

†Total costs of $46,793 per FN event per patient were calculated using estimates that included the proportion of patients that survived, died, were readmitted for any cause, were readmitted with FN and survived, and were readmitted with FN and died. Cost of an average FN hospitalization stay based on multiple data sources. It was assumed that a patient not discharged to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) incurred outpatient management costs. A factor of 1.31806 was used to estimate post-discharge non-SNF outpatient neutropenia healthcare costs. The proportion of patients who died or were readmitted was estimated using Dulisse et al, 2013. Inflation adjustment from annual 2012 to Q1 2020 for the index hospitalization, annual 2016 to Q1 2020 for the SNF stay, and annual 2010 to Q1 2020 for all-cause readmission and mortality cost used medical care consumer price indices from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.2

‡Based on a retrospective cohort study using 2007-2010 data from the Humedica database.3

FN = febrile neutropenia.

Reducing FN risk with Neulasta®

Next-day Neulasta® reduced the incidence of FN and FN-related hospitalization when used at every cycle, at the right time4

Graph: percent of patients with FN and FN-related hospitalization

Phase 3, multicenter, multinational, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of patients with breast cancer (Neulasta® [n = 463] or placebo [n = 465]) receiving 100mg/m2 docetaxel Q3W for up to 4 cycles. The key endpoint was the percentage of patients who developed FN (Neulasta® 1% vs placebo 17%, P < 0.001). Also, secondary endpoints were lower for Neulasta®-treated patients as compared to placebo-treated patients (the incidence of hospitalization [1% vs 14%] and IV anti-infective use [2% vs 10%]).4

FN = temperature ≥ 38.2°C and absolute neutrophil count < 0.5 x 109/L.

G-CSF = granulocyte colony-stimulating factor; Q3W = once every 3 weeks; IV = intravenous.

According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN)

NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) recommend that pegfilgrastim be administered according to the FDA-approved dosing schedule (day after myelosuppressive chemotherapy)5,§

§NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use, or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way.

To help overcome next-day G-CSF delivery challenges, choose Neulasta® Onpro®

Returning to the doctor's office the day after chemotherapy can be challenging for patients

Transportation icon

Struggle to get transportation

Can't get back to the healthcare facility

Scheduling icon

Scheduling conflicts

Family or work conflicts

Holiday schedule icon

Holiday

Chemo a day before holiday closings

Weather conditions icon

Weather conditions

Such as a blizzard, could make driving hazardous

Clinic icon

Friday chemo

And the clinic is closed on Saturday

Chemotherapy icon

Multiple consecutive days of chemo

Chemo two days in a row and the patient doesn't want to come back a third day every cycle

Syringe icon

Non-compliant

Missed prefilled syringe appointment last cycle and/or didn't receive injection next day

Time icon

Live far away

Total time spent includes more than just driving time

Onpro® is the first G-CSF delivery method designed to automatically deliver Neulasta® at the right time7,**

Neulasta® Onpro® may be appropriate for all of your patients who:
  • Are adults
  • Are comfortable following the Patient Instructions for Use
  • Do not have allergies to acrylics

**Incomplete doses have been reported with Neulasta® Onpro® due to device not performing as intended. This may increase risk of neutropenia, FN, and/or infection.

See how next-day Neulasta® helped significantly more patients to maintain their chemotherapy dosing and schedule.8

Explore Study

Onpro® vs Other FN-prophylaxis Options

btn

Next-day Neulasta®: Keeping Treatment Plans on Track

btn

Reliable G-CSF Delivery with Onpro®

btn

Important Safety Information

Contraindication

  • Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious allergic reactions to pegfilgrastim or filgrastim
  • Reactions have included anaphylaxis

Splenic Rupture

  • Splenic rupture, including fatal cases, can occur following the administration of Neulasta®
  • Evaluate for an enlarged or ruptured spleen in patients who report left upper abdominal or shoulder pain

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

  • ARDS has occurred in patients receiving Neulasta®
  • Evaluate patients who develop a fever and lung infiltrates or respiratory distress after receiving Neulasta®
  • Discontinue Neulasta® in patients with ARDS

Serious Allergic Reactions

  • Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis can occur in patients receiving Neulasta®
  • Majority of events occurred upon initial exposure and can recur within days after discontinuation of initial anti-allergic treatment
  • Permanently discontinue Neulasta® in patients with serious allergic reactions

Allergies to Acrylics

  • On-body injector (OBI) for Neulasta® uses acrylic adhesives
  • Patients who are allergic to acrylic adhesives may have a significant reaction

Use in Patients With Sickle Cell Disorders

  • In patients with sickle cell trait or disease, severe and sometimes fatal sickle cell crises can occur in patients receiving Neulasta®
  • Discontinue Neulasta® if sickle cell crisis occurs

Glomerulonephritis

  • Has occurred in patients receiving Neulasta®
  • Diagnoses based on azotemia, hematuria, proteinuria, and renal biopsy
  • Generally events resolved after dose reduction or discontinuation of Neulasta®
  • If suspected, evaluate for cause and if cause is likely, consider dose-reduction or interruption of Neulasta®

Leukocytosis

  • Increased white blood cell counts of 100 x 109/L have been observed
  • Monitoring of complete blood count (CBC) during pegfilgrastim therapy is recommended

Thrombocytopenia

  • Thrombocytopenia has been reported in patients receiving pegfilgrastim. Monitor platelet counts

Capillary Leak Syndrome (CLS)

  • CLS has been reported after G-CSF administration, including Neulasta®
  • Characterized by hypotension, hypoalbuminemia, edema, and hemoconcentration
  • Episodes vary in frequency, severity, and may be life-threatening if treatment is delayed
  • Patients with symptoms should be closely monitored and receive standard symptomatic treatment, which may include intensive care

Potential for Tumor Growth Stimulatory Effects on Malignant Cells

  • G-CSF receptor has been found on tumor cell lines
  • The possibility that pegfilgrastim acts as a growth factor for any tumor type, including myeloid malignancies and myelodysplasia, diseases for which Neulasta® is not approved, cannot be excluded

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in Patients With Breast and Lung Cancer

  • MDS and AML have been associated with the use of Neulasta® in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in patients with breast and lung cancer. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of MDS/AML in these settings

Potential Device Failures

  • Missed or partial doses have been reported in patients receiving pegfilgrastim via the on-body injector (OBI) due to the device not performing as intended
  • In the event of a missed or partial dose, patients may be at increased risk of events such as neutropenia, febrile neutropenia and/or infection than if the dose had been correctly delivered
  • Instruct patients to notify their healthcare professional immediately in order to determine the need for a replacement dose if they suspect that the device may not have performed as intended

Aortitis

  • Aortitis has been reported in patients receiving Neulasta®. It may occur as early as the first week after start of therapy
  • Manifestations may include generalized signs and symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, malaise, back pain, and increased inflammatory markers (e.g., c-reactive protein and white blood cell count)
  • Consider aortitis in patients who develop these signs and symptoms without known etiology. Discontinue Neulasta® if aortitis is suspected

Nuclear Imaging

  • Increased hematopoietic activity of the bone marrow in response to growth factor therapy has been associated with transient positive bone imaging changes. This should be considered when interpreting bone imaging results

Most common adverse reactions

  • Bone pain
  • Pain in extremity

Please see Neulasta® full Prescribing Information.

Neulasta® Injection: 6 mg/0.6 mL in a single-dose prefilled syringe for manual use only.

Neulasta® Injection: 6 mg/0.6 mL in a single-dose prefilled syringe co-packaged with the on-body injector (OBI) for Neulasta® (Neulasta® Onpro® kit).

Special Instructions for the On-body Injector (OBI) for Neulasta®

A healthcare provider must fill the on-body injector (OBI) with Neulasta® using the co-packaged prefilled syringe and then apply the OBI to the patient’s skin (abdomen or back of arm). The back of the arm may only be used if there is a caregiver available to monitor the status of the OBI. Approximately 27 hours after the OBI is applied to the patient’s skin, Neulasta® will be delivered over approximately 45 minutes. A healthcare provider may initiate administration with the OBI on the same day as the administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy, as long as the OBI delivers Neulasta® no less than 24 hours after the administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy.

The prefilled syringe co-packaged in the Neulasta® Onpro® kit contains additional solution to compensate for liquid loss during delivery through the OBI. If this syringe is used for manual subcutaneous injection, the patient will receive an overdose. If the prefilled syringe for manual use is used with the OBI, the patient may receive less than the recommended dose.

Do not use the OBI to deliver any other drug product except the Neulasta® prefilled syringe co-packaged with the OBI. Use of the OBI has not been studied in pediatric patients.

The OBI should be applied to intact, non-irritated skin on the arm or abdomen.

A missed dose could occur due to an OBI failure or leakage. Instruct patients using the OBI to notify their healthcare professional immediately in order to determine the need for a replacement dose of pegfilgrastim if they suspect that the device may not have performed as intended. If the patient misses a dose, a new dose should be administered by single prefilled syringe for manual use as soon as possible after detection.

Review the Patient Information and Patient Instructions for Use with the patient and provide the instructions to the patient.

Refer to the Healthcare Provider Instructions for Use for the OBI for full administration information.

For any OBI problems, call Amgen at 1-800-772-6436 1-800-772-6436 or 1-844-MYNEULASTA (1-844-696-3852). 1-844-MYNEULASTA (1-844-696-3852).

References:
1. Yang BB, et al. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2015;75:1199-1206. 2. Kirshner JJ, et al. Support Care Cancer. 2018;26:1323-1334. 3. Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) Prescribing Information, Amgen. 4. Yang BB, et al. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2011;50:295-306. 5. Haegerstam GA. Acta Orthop Scand. 2001;72:308-317. 6. Schweizerhof M, et al. Nat Med. 2009;15:802-807.

References:
1. Data on file, Amgen; 2021. 2. Data on file, Amgen; [1]; 2020. 3. Weycker D, et al. J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2014;20:190-198. 4. Vogel CL, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2005;23:1178-1184. 5. Referenced with permission from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Myeloid Growth Factors V.2.2023. ©National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. 2021. All rights reserved. Accessed September 21, 2023. To view the most recent and complete version of the guideline, go online to NCCN.org. NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way. 6. American Cancer Society. Watching for and Preventing Infections. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/infections/preventing-infections-in-people-with-cancer.html. Accessed August 15, 2022. 7. Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) Prescribing Information, Amgen. 8. Data on file, Amgen; [2]; 2020.

References:
1. Data on file, Amgen; 2020. 2. Lyman GH. J Natl Comr Canc Netw. 2009;7:2612-2615.

References:
1. Data on file, Amgen; [1]; 2022. 2. Data on file, Amgen; [2]; 2022.

References:
1. Data on file, Amgen; [1]; 2020. 2. Data on file, Amgen; [2]; 2020. 3. Data on file, Amgen; [3]; 2020. 4. Data on file, Amgen; 2016. 5. Vogel CL, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2005;23(6):1178-1184.

References:
1. Data on file, Amgen; 2021. 2. NEUPOGEN® (filgrastim) Prescribing Information, Amgen. 3. Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) Prescribing Information, Amgen. 4. Data on file, Amgen; [1]; 2020. 5. Data on file, Amgen; [2]; 2020. 6. Data on file, Amgen; 2016. 7. Vogel CL, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2005;23(6):1178-1184. 8. Data on file, Amgen; 2023.

References:
1. Data on file, Amgen; [1]; 2022. 2. Data on file, Amgen; [2]; 2022.

References:
1. Data on file, Amgen; 2023. 2. Data on file, Amgen; 2020. 3. Vogel CL, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2005;23(6):1178-1184. 4. Data on file, Amgen; 2022.

Back to top back-to-top

Important Safety Information

Contraindication

  • Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious allergic reactions to pegfilgrastim or filgrastim
  • Reactions have included anaphylaxis

Splenic Rupture

  • Splenic rupture, including fatal cases, can occur following the administration of Neulasta®
  • Evaluate for an enlarged or ruptured spleen in patients who report left upper abdominal or shoulder pain

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

  • ARDS has occurred in patients receiving Neulasta®
  • Evaluate patients who develop a fever and lung infiltrates or respiratory distress after receiving Neulasta®
  • Discontinue Neulasta® in patients with ARDS

Serious Allergic Reactions

  • Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis can occur in patients receiving Neulasta®
  • Majority of events occurred upon initial exposure and can recur within days after discontinuation of initial anti-allergic treatment
  • Permanently discontinue Neulasta® in patients with serious allergic reactions

Allergies to Acrylics

  • On-body injector (OBI) for Neulasta® uses acrylic adhesives
  • Patients who are allergic to acrylic adhesives may have a significant reaction

Use in Patients With Sickle Cell Disorders

  • In patients with sickle cell trait or disease, severe and sometimes fatal sickle cell crises can occur in patients receiving Neulasta®
  • Discontinue Neulasta® if sickle cell crisis occurs

Glomerulonephritis

  • Has occurred in patients receiving Neulasta®
  • Diagnoses based on azotemia, hematuria, proteinuria, and renal biopsy
  • Generally events resolved after dose reduction or discontinuation of Neulasta®
  • If suspected, evaluate for cause and if cause is likely, consider dose-reduction or interruption of Neulasta®

Leukocytosis

  • Increased white blood cell counts of 100 x 109/L have been observed
  • Monitoring of complete blood count (CBC) during pegfilgrastim therapy is recommended

Thrombocytopenia

  • Thrombocytopenia has been reported in patients receiving pegfilgrastim. Monitor platelet counts

Capillary Leak Syndrome (CLS)

  • CLS has been reported after G-CSF administration, including Neulasta®
  • Characterized by hypotension, hypoalbuminemia, edema, and hemoconcentration
  • Episodes vary in frequency, severity, and may be life-threatening if treatment is delayed
  • Patients with symptoms should be closely monitored and receive standard symptomatic treatment, which may include intensive care

Potential for Tumor Growth Stimulatory Effects on Malignant Cells

  • G-CSF receptor has been found on tumor cell lines
  • The possibility that pegfilgrastim acts as a growth factor for any tumor type, including myeloid malignancies and myelodysplasia, diseases for which Neulasta® is not approved, cannot be excluded

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in Patients With Breast and Lung Cancer

  • MDS and AML have been associated with the use of Neulasta® in conjunction with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in patients with breast and lung cancer. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of MDS/AML in these settings

Potential Device Failures

  • Missed or partial doses have been reported in patients receiving pegfilgrastim via the on-body injector (OBI) due to the device not performing as intended
  • In the event of a missed or partial dose, patients may be at increased risk of events such as neutropenia, febrile neutropenia and/or infection than if the dose had been correctly delivered
  • Instruct patients to notify their healthcare professional immediately in order to determine the need for a replacement dose if they suspect that the device may not have performed as intended

Aortitis

  • Aortitis has been reported in patients receiving Neulasta®. It may occur as early as the first week after start of therapy
  • Manifestations may include generalized signs and symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, malaise, back pain, and increased inflammatory markers (e.g., c-reactive protein and white blood cell count)
  • Consider aortitis in patients who develop these signs and symptoms without known etiology. Discontinue Neulasta® if aortitis is suspected

Nuclear Imaging

  • Increased hematopoietic activity of the bone marrow in response to growth factor therapy has been associated with transient positive bone imaging changes. This should be considered when interpreting bone imaging results

Most common adverse reactions

  • Bone pain
  • Pain in extremity

Please see Neulasta® full Prescribing Information.

Neulasta® Injection: 6 mg/0.6 mL in a single-dose prefilled syringe for manual use only.

Neulasta® Injection: 6 mg/0.6 mL in a single-dose prefilled syringe co-packaged with the on-body injector (OBI) for Neulasta® (Neulasta® Onpro® kit).

Special Instructions for the On-body Injector (OBI) for Neulasta®

A healthcare provider must fill the on-body injector (OBI) with Neulasta® using the co-packaged prefilled syringe and then apply the OBI to the patient’s skin (abdomen or back of arm). The back of the arm may only be used if there is a caregiver available to monitor the status of the OBI. Approximately 27 hours after the OBI is applied to the patient’s skin, Neulasta® will be delivered over approximately 45 minutes. A healthcare provider may initiate administration with the OBI on the same day as the administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy, as long as the OBI delivers Neulasta® no less than 24 hours after the administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy.

The prefilled syringe co-packaged in the Neulasta® Onpro® kit contains additional solution to compensate for liquid loss during delivery through the OBI. If this syringe is used for manual subcutaneous injection, the patient will receive an overdose. If the prefilled syringe for manual use is used with the OBI, the patient may receive less than the recommended dose.

Do not use the OBI to deliver any other drug product except the Neulasta® prefilled syringe co-packaged with the OBI. Use of the OBI has not been studied in pediatric patients.

The OBI should be applied to intact, non-irritated skin on the arm or abdomen.

A missed dose could occur due to an OBI failure or leakage. Instruct patients using the OBI to notify their healthcare professional immediately in order to determine the need for a replacement dose of pegfilgrastim if they suspect that the device may not have performed as intended. If the patient misses a dose, a new dose should be administered by single prefilled syringe for manual use as soon as possible after detection.

Review the Patient Information and Patient Instructions for Use with the patient and provide the instructions to the patient.

Refer to the Healthcare Provider Instructions for Use for the OBI for full administration information.

For any OBI problems, call Amgen at 1-800-772-6436 1-800-772-6436 or 1-844-MYNEULASTA (1-844-696-3852). 1-844-MYNEULASTA (1-844-696-3852).