Neulasta injection, also known as pegfilgrastim, is a medication used to help prevent infections in people undergoing cancer chemotherapy or exposed to certain types of radiation.
Understanding Neulasta
Neulasta is a biologic drug, meaning it is made from living cells. It's primarily available as an injection and also as a skin patch. It's a brand-name medication that requires a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Key Uses of Neulasta Injection
- Chemotherapy Support: Neulasta is prescribed to help prevent serious infections in cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy, which can lower the body's ability to fight infections.
- Radiation Sickness: Neulasta can help in preventing infections that may result from a specific form of radiation sickness.
- Stimulating White Blood Cell Production: It works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells (specifically neutrophils), which play a crucial role in the body's immune response to infections.
Administration
- Injection: Neulasta is commonly administered through an injection under the skin.
- Skin Patch: An alternative option is a skin patch, also known as Onpro, which allows the medication to be delivered automatically.
Important Considerations
- Prescription Medication: Neulasta is not available over-the-counter; it requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
- Biologic Drug: As a biologic medication, its manufacturing process is complex and may differ from conventional pharmaceuticals.
- Specific Use: Neulasta is designed for specific situations and is not a universal medication for all types of infections.
In summary, Neulasta is a biologic medication that helps boost white blood cell production, thereby protecting against infections for people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation sickness.
