Neulasta for chemotherapy is a kind of miracle drug for chemo. But also a very expensive miracle cure. Anyone who undergoes chemotherapy will see their resistance drop considerably. An injection of Neulasta can be of great significance in this regard, because it ensures that a shortage of neutrophils is increased again. But what is Neulasta and what does Neulasta do? Also read about the side effects of Neulasta here.

Neulasta ensures that infections occur much less frequently after chemo

Neulasta is a blood cell growth factor. The drug, which is simply supplied in a syringe, has been produced using DNA techniques. It is almost identical to the natural protein that the human body makes during infections to increase certain white blood cells. These are also called neutrophils. They are vital in the body’s defense against infections. The drug Neulasta stimulates the production of these cells (neutrophils). It does this in the same way as the protein that the body produces itself. The drug ensures that the body can better defend itself against infections.

The chemotherapy causes the breakdown of neutrophils

Neulasta is prescribed, among other things, to patients who are being treated with chemotherapy. Some chemotherapy treatments cause or can cause a shortage of neutrophils (the protein that the human body makes during infections to multiply certain white blood cells). This is called neutropenia. This shortage greatly increases the risk of serious infections. Such infections must then be treated with antibiotics and/or hospitalization. Neulasta has been developed to reduce that chance. The drug promotes the production of neutrophils in the body. As a result, the body has to deal with too few neutrophils for a short period. This reduces the risk of infection or makes the infections less severe.

How is Neulasta used?

Neulasta is given in a syringe. People can do this themselves (after learning from, for example, 2Care or the community nurse), but they can also have it done. The injection is given into a fold of skin, for example in the abdomen. Neulasta is self-regulating and does its job when necessary. This means when the lowest number of neutrophils has been reached. If the cells are rebuilt from the body, Neulasta abandons its task again.

How often Neulasta?

1 Neulasta injection is given per chemotherapy treatment (a course is 1 treatment). This should not be given earlier than 24 hours after the treatment, but must be administered within 48 hours. Anyone who is afraid that the drug will negate the chemotherapy can let go of that fear: it will not be at the expense of the effectiveness of the chemo.

For which types of cancers and which chemotherapy?

Neulasta can help with various types of cancer and with various chemotherapy treatments. The patient’s weight also does not matter. It is always determined in consultation with the internist whether the drug is given, but there is no harm in asking about the drug that can reduce the side effects of chemo. It is not provided as standard in all hospitals. This undoubtedly also has to do with the fact that it is an expensive drug. 1,500 euros must be paid per syringe of Neulasta. In addition, there are costs for a courier who brings the drug (unless otherwise arranged) and the costs of the nurse who has to administer the drug.

Store Neulasta

Neulasta must be stored properly and that means in the refrigerator at a temperature of between + 2 and + 8 degrees Celsius. The product can withstand three days at a temperature of up to 30 degrees, but no more. Freezing is not good for the drug, but it can survive for 1 day. In that case it must be thawed in the refrigerator. To make the product squirt finely, it is a good idea to take it out of the refrigerator in advance, so that it is more comfortable to inject. The Neulasta should be clear and should not be used if the liquid is cloudy or contains particles.

Side effects Neulasta

Like almost every medicine, Neulasta also has side effects. Or could have. Bone pain is the most common, but headaches can also occur. In addition, a somewhat strange feeling in the face, such as a runny nose, may occur. It is advisable to avoid these complaints and take a suppository with paracetamol of 1000 mg once every 6 hours immediately after administration. The complaints can occur immediately, but also after a number of days. Patients all respond differently.

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