Sargramostim: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Use

What is the drug Sargramostim for?

Sargramostim is a drug given to patients who have decreased ability to produce white blood cells. This drug stimulates the bone marrow to produce white blood cells, which help your body fight infection.

Sargramostim (also known as GM-CSF, or granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor) is a man-made version of a certain natural substance present in the body that also stimulates the bone marrow to produce white blood cells. This drug is produced using a certain fungus (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).

What are the rules for using Sargramostim?

Do not shake this medication, as it may cause the drug to be ineffective.

Follow the doctor's instructions carefully. This medicine is given by infusion in a vein or by injection under the skin according to the doctor's instructions, usually once a day until the desired amount of blood is reached. The dosage is based on medical condition, body size, laboratory results and response to treatment. Use the right amount of medicine as prescribed. If you take less than the prescribed amount, your body may not produce enough white blood cells to protect against infection. If you use more than prescribed, your body can produce too many white blood cells.

Use this drug regularly to get optimal benefits. To help you remember, use this medication at the same time every day.

When injecting under the skin, a new injection site must be selected at each dose. This can prevent pain. Never inject sargramostim into skin that is swollen, red, bruised, hard, has scars or stretch marks.

If you are giving this medication yourself at home, learn all the preparation and instructions for use from your professional medical professional. Remove the medication from the cooler 30 minutes before you inject it so that it reaches a normal temperature. Don't shake it. Before using, check the product display for particles or discoloration. If either occurs, do not use liquids. Learn how to store and dispose of medical equipment safely.

If you are having chemotherapy for cancer, you should not use sargramostim at the same time. You should receive sargramostim before or after chemotherapy, depending on your blood count results and your doctor's instructions.

How do I save Sargramostim?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Sargramostim for adults?

Common adult dosage for chemotherapy-related neutropenia:

250 mcg / m2 / day IV for 4 hours at baseline or around day 11 or 4 days after completion of chemotherapy induction, if day 10 bone marrow is hypoplastic with <5% blasts.

If a second cycle of induction chemotherapy is required, give about 4 days after chemotherapy is complete if the bone marrow is hypoplastic with <5% blasts. Continue with sargramostime until the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is greater than 1500 cells / mm3. For 3 consecutive days, or a maximum of 42 days.

Typical adult dosage for Bone Marrow Transplant - Myeloid Reconstruction:

250 mcg / m2 / day for 21 days as 2 hours IV infusion after autologous bone marrow infusion, at least 24 hours after the last dose of chemotherapy and 12 hours after the last dose of radiotherapy.

Typical adult dosage for Bone Marrow Transplant - in case of engraftment failure or delay:

250 mcg / m2 / day for 14 days as a 2 hour IV infusion. The dose can be repeated 7 days later if engraftment has not been achieved. If engraftment has not occurred after the second administration of sargramostim, a dose of 500 mcg / m2 / day for 14 days can be given starting 7 days after the previous dose (14 days after the initial dose).

What is the dosage of Sargramostim for children?

Typical children's dosage for Aplastic Anemia:

8 - 32 mcg / kg / day IV or under the skin, given once daily.

Common doses of children for Bone Marrow Transplant:

250 mcg / m2 / day IV or under the skin, once daily for 21 days starting 2 - 4 hours after marrow infusion on day 0.

Common children's dosage for chemotherapy-related neutropenia:

3 - 15 mcg / kg / day IV or under the skin, daily for 14 - 21 days. Maximum dose: 30 mcg / kg / day or 1500 mcg / m2 / day.

In what dosage and preparation is Sargramostim available?

Sargramostim is available in the following dosages:

• Liquid, injection 500 mcg / mL
• Reconstituted fluids, intravenous: 250 mcg (1 ea)

Side effects

What side effects might occur due to Sargramostim?

Some people who get injections of sargramostim have experienced reactions to the infusion (when the drug is injected into a vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseous, shortness of breath or racing heartbeat, tightness in the chest or difficulty breathing during the injection.

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your doctor right away if you experience serious side effects such as:

• High fever, chills, sore throat, stuffy nose, flu symptoms
• White sores on the inside of the mouth or on the lips
• Easy bruising, unusual bleeding (in the nose, mouth, vagina or rectum), purple or red dots under the skin
• Swelling, rapid weight gain
• Chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat
• Weakness or fainting
• Black, bloody stool
• Coughing up blood or vomiting like coffee grounds
• Pain or difficulty urinating
• Cloudy urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Difficulty breathing
• Impaired vision, speech, balance or memory.

Less serious side effects can include:

• Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
• Tired feeling
• Hair loss
• Weight loss
• Headache
• Mild skin rash or hives
• Bone pain
• Joint or muscle pain
• Redness, swelling or irritation at the injection area.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using Sargramostim?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

Research to date has not demonstrated child-specific problems that may limit the benefits of sargramostime in children. However, safety and effectiveness have not been determined in infants under 4 months of age.

Elderly

Research to date has not shown specific problems in children that may limit the benefits of sargramostime in the elderly.

Is Sargramostim safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Interaction

What medicines may interact with Sargramostim?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Vincristine
• Vincristine Sulfate Liposome

Can food or alcohol interact with Sargramostim?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with Sargramostim?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Bone marrow hyperplasia - Should not be used. May cause an increased risk of side effects in patients with this condition.
• Congestive heart failure
• Edema (fluid retention)
• Heart disease
• Heart rhythm disturbances
• Hypoxia (decreased oxygen to the tissues)
• Kidney illness
• Liver disease
• Lung disease or respiratory problems
• Pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart)
• Pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs) - Use with caution. May worsen the condition

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.