Tuesday, February 23, 2010 Hopeful Lady asks

Q: How safe is Neulasta and what are the most common side effects I may have from this drug?

When I went for my third chemo treatment on 2/18, I was told that my platelet count was too low. The count was .8 so I could not have chemo until the count comes up to l.5 or l.8. I have heard of chemo patients having to have blood when their count gets too low. I have some friends whose count got too low and had to have blood. At what point does the doctor usually recommend blood when the count is low? Has anyone any ideas as to how I can help myself improve the count without medication? I did ask the doctor and she said no. But maybe someone of your readers has shared their experience with you. I certainly don't want to have to have blood. Am finding out that women who have gone thru this are just about as helpful as my doctor/doctors.

Doctor has rescheduled my next chemo for 3/2/10. She said that I will then come back the next day and receive a drug called Neulasta. I came home and did some research.

How safe is Neulasta and what are the most common side effects I may have from this drug? I did read the warnings about the drug but here again I wonder if some of your readers have had any experience with this drug.

Also, what country produces our chemo drugs? Is it the USA or not?

Your responses have been helpful. Thank you.

- A
- A
- A

Answers (8)

PJ Hamel, Health Guide

2/24/10 1:30pm

Hi - Readers, could someone with first-hand experience with Neulasta please chime in here? Since Hopeful Lady has already researched the "official" side effects, I think she's looking for more anecdotal data that can help her get prepared for what's ahead (right, Lady?).

As for what drugs are manufactured where, that would have to be researched on a drug-by-drug basis; I'd suggest you simply Google the drugs you're interested in, go to the various manufacturer Web sites, and if you don't find the information you seek, click their "contact" link and email them directly. Good luck - PJH

CowgirlSuz

3/ 4/10 2:13pm

I've just finished a course of chemotherapy - 4 treatments of Taxotere + Cytoxan, given 3 weeks apart. After each infusion, two days later I started daily injections of Neupogen for 5 days. I realize that Neupogen and Neulasta are two different meds, but they are given for similar reasons, and it sounds like the side effects are very similar.

With Neupogen, the my main side effect was bone pain. My doctor explained that the Neupogen stimulates the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells, and so the achy pain comes from inside your bones. In my case, I would experience achy feelings that sort of moved around all over my body. My rib cage became very sore, almost like I'd been in a boxing ring and been punched a few times. Just pressing on my lower ribs, I'd experience soreness and tenderness.

At first, the chemo pharmacist told me to take Tylenol only, but that did nothing to help. My oncologist then prescribed Advile and Vicodin for the pain and tenderness. On days that it was really painful, I took two Advils 3 times/day, and 1 Vicodin at night. It helped a lot with the pain, and seemed to reduce the inflammation and tenderness, too. Check with your doctor and see what he recommends for this common side effect.

My chemo nurse mentioned that a low grade fever was common, but I never experienced that.

Hope this helps!

Susy

Teresa R

3/ 4/10 5:00pm

I also had 4 rounds of chemo (Taxotere and Cytoxan). I did not get the Neulasta shot after the first round (it wasn't offered; nor was I told about it) and I had a "white blood cell crash" (fever spiked dangerously high--105--and I had no energy what so ever) so after the next three rounds my oncologist deigned to prescribe the Neulasta shot, which I received on the day after each chemo infusion. My side effects were pretty minimal. My limbs felt really heavy at times (usually in the middle of the night when I had to get up and get water or go to the restroom; and getting out of bed in the morning). I was a little achy but nothing Tylenol didn't take care of. Much, much better (for me) than after the first round without the Neulasta. All the best to you as you make your way through this. (I finished treatment in July '09; so far I remain "no evidence of disease" and I intend to stay that way!)

carolyn97222

3/ 4/10 5:30pm

I had 8 rounds of TAC with Neulasta being given 24 hours later after all 8 treatments.

I had achy bones over my whole body after the first one - Vicodin was needed for that. The other 7 times the aches were minimal.

Carolyn

Bubby

3/ 4/10 5:49pm

I had 4 chemo treatments...after each treatment...I was given 5 treatments of Neupogen ..for the first two chemo treatments...where my white blood count was not low at all....after the 3rd treatment and when my white blood count was falling...i couldn't come in on that Saturday or whatever..so i only had 4 shots...and after the 4th where my white blood count really fell...because i complained that it is 'far ' for me to drive...i was cut down to 3 times I think...

after I was finished with the chemo and my blood count was taken...and it was low (the lowest) i did ask...should you prescribe for me to get shot or some shots of the neupogen (i didn't get the Neulasta because that is a one time shot...and i guess Medicare won't pay for it..it is quite expensive)...she said 'no....your white blood count will rise by itself'...

i did ask..should I come in after a few weeks to see where my white blood count is? she said ...no it will rise...i did ask..how will we know...she said..it always rises and it will....and then she did add...you know that there are 'effects' from this type of injections' and the 'effects' she said...seemed to me that she was hinting at long term 'lasting' effects/'permanent' effects...so i didn't 'push' for getting this injection (s)

I believe that every time I had the chemo on Monday...I got a shot of Neulasta anyways...besides going after for 5 shots...or maybe I am wrong...maybe my white blood count was just 'checked' before the chemo was administered.

All in all, I finished with the chemo in Nov....my hair is growing back (as long as a kitty cat's hair) and i am finished with the 28 radiation treatments and then they gave me 10 boosts..

So Whew! Fini...NOW I have begun the Arimidex for 5 years...and I must say that with the chemo /radiation...i didn't really have any problems at all...not with the shots for the white blood count either...

The best part of all this...is Angels have come out from no where...people that I was not even close with...sent me small gifts...called me...sent me short hi e mails...and the kid down the street when I asked him 'how much?' to shovel the snow...said "Nothing I will do it for a blessing.' (and he didn't even know about my breast cancer!)

The only draw back is with people being so nice to me...i began to wonder...'do they know something about 'where'? I may be going soon? that I don't? Just joking...but it has inspired me to 'clean up' all the 'things' / 'papers' i have been saving....I have promised myself 'never ' again to save even one greeting card that anyone sends to me! So, my being 'taken over by papers'....is being tackled now...

Good luck

Bubby

p.s. main thing to do every day is to Push yourself...get out of bed...shower...dress...put on make up...and try to get out of the house ...even if it is to go to Costco for a few hours. The best question you can be asked ..that is if you have a husband...who is retired and sees you getting all dressed up...is : Are you going some place? Always prepare yourself as if you are going some place...every morning! whether you are going or not.

poohsmom1947

3/ 5/10 8:47pm

Hi. I had to have Neulasta every time I had my chemo sessions. It brought my counts up miraculously although I did have joint pains which are very common and could also be from the Drugs I was taking. I had to go to the hospital as my insurance would only pay it there. The cost made me want to throw up but I was already doing that. My oncologist and the nurses explained to me that the low counts meant that the chemo was working. Each person reacts differently. I think it also depends on the type of cancer you have. A friend of mine had lymphoma and had to have platelets and a friend had leukemia and had blood. Mine was bilateral breast cancer and I did not have to have transfusions. Your doctor knows what works best. There is another drug called Neupogen but then you have to go two times after the chemo. I had that also and while it worked the Neulasta was much better.

poohsmom1947

3/ 5/10 9:11pm

I have taken both Neulasta and the alternate Neupogen. The Neulasta works much better. You have to trust your oncology team and honestly cannot be your own pharmacist. I do not know whay combo of meds you are taking and what type of cancer you have. I was on antiviaral drugs throughout my chemo and still am. My counts were even lower than yours but I never had to miss a session. I took Cytoxan and Taxotore in triple doses each time. I am on first name basis with all the paramedics in the town where I had the chemo. Neulasta helps to rebuild your cells faster. The dr. and nurses told me the drop in cells was because the meds were working. It is true that even eating liver daily is not really going to help but drinking tons of water and staying hydrated will help. You should have asked why they did not give you something then and not wait but every dr has his own system. The main reaction to Neulasta is joint pain but I had so much joint pain I cannot tell you if it was from the Neulasta or the Taxotere. They can give you some meds to help ease the pain and you should take them. If you are very anxious then ask for some Xanax. I had breast cancer and bilateral mastectomies. I know people who had leukemia and got blood and lymphoma patients who got platelets. Each cancer is different just as each patient is. It does not really matter where the drug is made. Neulasta is a proven drug and does work. I know you are afraid of the unknown but this is a battle you will win. Your doctor will see to that. Your job is to make sure you try to eat, easier said than done I know, and to rest alot and not over exert yourself. I stayed away from people as much as I could and used enough sanitizer on my hands that I thought they would fall off. I slept alot and I drank all(120 ozs+) of bottled water, spring water, daily. I tried all the tricks of eating things cold but just the smell or sight of food was too much. I took up knitting and crotcheting, anything I could do relaxing in bed. Music was good at night also. I wouldhaveloved to had a good massage but I was not allowed. Some of the women were taking tai chi. Others meditated. The best thing I did for myself was to go to Look right Feel good program. It was fun and not depressing at all. There were all people in various stages of their cancers and treatments. The wigs were nice and the makeup and lessons were great and free . The first time I took Neulasta I had to go to the hospital for it as my insurance would not pay for it at my doctors office, nor would they let me buy it on my own. It was very expensive, but I feel that it did save me from having bigger problems and I did not wind up in the hospital at all. The ones who did were those who did not drink the water, did not take it easy and who were around people during the winter flu season. I am out of chemo almost a year and doing pretty well. I have some trouble with the oral meds for bc, arimidex and now femara but without taking the meds chances are not as good. I wish you well and hope you have a wonderful family for support. If not, you can find support in lots of places. I am divorced and caregive my 92 yr old handicapped mom. I could not do it while I was sick so we did have an pt aide come in to cook for her and watch her. I could not have done it even if my life depended on it. I was too wiped out from chemo and the massive surgery I had undergone. You have to put yourself first as no one else will. This is a time when it is ok to be slightly selfish. If the wash needs to be done and no one will do it, call a friend. You have to take care not to come in contact with germs...they not Neulasta are your biggest enemies.

ANDREA

3/18/10 2:29pm

I KNOW THIS QUESTION WAS POSTED A WHILE AGO, BUT I JUST CAME ACROSS IT.I HAD 6 TREATMENTS OF T E C AT 3 WEEKS APART AND AFTER MY FIRST ONE MY WHITE BLOODCELLCOUNT WAS ABSOLUTE ZERO. I RECEIVED NEULASTA AFTER EACH OF MY OTHER TREATMENTS AND FELT FINE. I GUESS I WAS ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES, BECAUSE I HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH NAUSEA. I DO NOT RECALL ANY PROBLEMS WHILE GETTING THE NEULASTA. I HAD SOME BONEPAIN BUT THAT COULD HAVE ALSO COME FROM THE CHEMO MEDS. I TOKK MY CHEMO ON FRIDAY AND WAS BACK AT WORK ON TUESDAY(I GAVE MYSELF AN EXTRA DAY). AS OFTEN SAID ON THIS SITE CHEMO IS DOABLE AND THERE ARE PLENTY OF MEDS TO COMBAT THE SIDEEFFECTS. I FINISHED MY CHEMO IN JUNE OF 2009 AND HAD A MASTECTOMIE. IM SCEDULED FOR RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY SOMETIME NEXT MONTH. I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST. HANG IN THERE. WHEN IT IS ALL OVER AND YOU THINK BACK ABOUT YOU REIALZE IT WASNT BAD AT ALL.

BEST WISHES ANDREA

Q: How safe is Neulasta and what are the most common side effects I may have from this drug?

Related Questions

Ask a Question