Sargramostim-injection

Sargramostim is a man-made version of a certain natural substance made in your body. It is used to help your body make more white blood cells. White blood cells are important to help you fight off infections. Sargramostim is given to people whose ability to make white blood cells is reduced (for instance, due to chemotherapy). It is also used in certain treatment procedures (such as bone marrow/stem cell transplant).

How to use Sargramostim Solution

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using sargramostim and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection under the skin or into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, lab tests, and response to treatment.

If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package. Take the medication out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature. Do not shake the medication. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.

If you are injecting this drug under the skin, first clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject sargramostim into skin that is bruised, tender, red, hard, or that has scars or stretch marks.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

This medication may cause a reaction after the first dose of each treatment period. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any signs of a serious reaction, including: flushing, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or fast heartbeat.

Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

If you are receiving cancer chemotherapy or radiation treatment, you should not use this medication within 24 hours before or 24 hours after chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Ask your doctor for specific directions about when to use this medication.

Aching or pain in the bones and muscles or headache may occur. Taking a non-aspirin pain reliever such as acetaminophen may help relieve pain. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Redness, swelling, itching, or bruising at the injection site may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/irregular heartbeat, chest pain, sudden weight gain, swelling ankles/feet/hands, shortness of breath, black/bloody stools, stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, vision problems.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using sargramostim, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to yeast; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as benzyl alcohol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: lung disease, heart problems (such as heart failure, irregular heartbeat), liver disease, kidney disease, swelling (edema).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.