Chemotherapy destroys both healthy and unhealthy fast-growing cells (like cancer).
WBCs are healthy cells that help prevent infection.Neutrophilsare an important bang out of WBC.
Chemotherapy can cause the neutrophil count to drop, resulting in serious infections and delays in treatment.
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This low neutrophil count is calledneutropenia.
Fortunately, some medications help prevent neutropenia.
This article will explain the differences between Neulasta and Neupogen.
Neulasta (generic name pegfilgrastim) has apolyethylene glycol, “PEG,” unit added to it.
This larger “PEG” molecule stays in your system longer than Neupogen (filgrastim).
Since Neulasta stays in the body longer, fewer doses are needed for it to be effective.
It is important to note that not all chemotherapy requires the use of Neulasta or Neupogen.
Your oncologist will discuss your need for a G-CSF.
Some patients will go home with a rig that automatically delivers Neulasta on the correct day and time.
This equipment is called an on-body injector (OBI).
The infusion nurse will program the OBI and attach it to your arm before you leave the clinic.
Neulasta should not be administered more often than every 14 days.
Neupogen is also started 24 hours after chemotherapy.
Side Effects
Bone pain is likely the most significant side effect of G-CSFs.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to be more effective in treating bone pain than narcotics.
There is also growing evidence that Claritin (loratadine) could be a useful option in alleviating bone pain.
Other potential side effects include:
Allergic reactions are a possibility with both Neulasta and Neupogen.
Neutropenic fever is considered a medical emergency and needs to be treated as quickly as possible.
Learning toreduce your risk of infectionduring cancer treatment is essential to your health and well-being on this journey.
Cost of Neulasta and Neupogen
Neulasta is, by far, more costly than Neupogen.
However, the required doses of Neupogen can quickly add up.
Although these prices are high, a single hospitalization for severe neutropenic fever and infection is unquestionably more expensive.
According toGoodRx.com, here are the current costs of both medications:
Will Insurance Cover the Cost?
It’s important tobe your own advocateand ask questions until you feel fully informed.
The injections are shipped directly to your residence for convenience.
Your oncology nurse or pharmacist will teach you or your caregiver how to administer the injections correctly.
You will also be provided with a small sharps container to place the used syringes in.
Bring the container to your next oncology visit, and they can dispose of it properly.
Cancer treatment is expensive, which leads to increased stress and anxiety.
Summary
Both Neulasta and Neupogen can significantly reduce your risk of developing an infection during chemotherapy.
They work by increasing your levels of a key in of immune cell called neutrophils.
Neupogen is short-acting, while Neulasta stays in the system longer.
There is some evidence that Neulasta is more effective.
Bone pain is a common side effect of both drugs.
Talk to your oncology nurse about how to reduce bone pain before you jump in a G-CSF.
Taking Claritin before and several days after the injection may alleviate bone pain.
Lastly, ask to speak with your oncology clinic’s financial counselor as soon as possible.
Depending on your insurance coverage and availability, Neupogen may be given at home.
Some studies show taking daily Claritin during this time helps reduce bone pain.
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Food and Drug Administration.Neupogen label.
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Breastcancer.org.Neulasta: what to expect, side effects, and more.
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