What it means
A granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) used to raise the white blood cell count after chemotherapy, so the risk of infection is lower, and to move stem cells into the blood for collection. The most common side effect is bone pain, often in the hips, back and breastbone.
For the nurse
Check the complete blood count as ordered. Do not shake the vial. Teach the client to report pain in the upper left belly or shoulder, which can mean an enlarged or ruptured spleen. Acetaminophen often helps bone pain.
At a glance
| Drug class | colony-stimulating factor (hematopoietic growth factor) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Neupogen; biosimilars such as Zarxio and Nivestym |
| Also written | Neupogen, Zarxio, Nivestym |
Related terms
antineoplastic
A drug used to treat cancer by killing cancer cells or stopping them from growing and dividing.
bone marrow
The soft, spongy tissue inside bones that makes blood cells.
immunodeficiency
A state in which the immune system is weaker than normal and cannot fight infection well.