When is Neupogen used?
Neupogen is not often used at the start of the first cycle of chemotherapy as in most cases it is not necessary (primary prophylaxis). The exception is “high dose” chemotherapy (see autologous bone marrow transplantation) when it is used to raise the level of stem cells in the blood. These stem cells can be harvested and used or stored in a fridge for later use. After the chemotherapy they can be re-injected into the patient to help the bone marrow recover. Sometimes during conventional chemotherapy too many white cells are killed and the patient develops an infection which can be serious. Neupogen is sometimes used, as well as antibiotics, to treat the infection. Firstly, Neupogen can be used to support chemotherapy. If the white cells (neutrophils) will not or are unlikely to recover by the time the next chemotherapy is due, your Oncologist has three choices: • Delay chemotherapy • Reduce the dose of chemotherapy • Give Neupogen By giving Neupogen, the chances of neutrophil recovery
