Neulasta side effects

[gfreiman]

I am going through FCR and I had a rough time after the 4th round. I am thinking that it was the Neulasta shot that did the most damage. Earlier in my treatment, my oncologist mentioned a possibility of reducing the dosage of pegfilgrastim. I was wondering if anybody else has had similar issues or if anybody has had a reduced dosage of pegfilgrastim.

Thanks,

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

What side effects in particular? There's over 25 listed in the insert, with the following requiring hospital attendance:

- rash over a large area of the body

- shortness of breath

- wheezing

- faintness, rapid pulse or sweating

Those requiring medical assessment are:

- pain in the upper left side of the abdomen

- left shoulder pain

- dizziness

I've been on Zarzio/filgrastim 3 x per week for months. I was worried about the risk of experiencing bone pain, which seems to be the most commonly reported concerning side effect, but I've had no side effects other than the occasional bruising at the injection site.

Neil

[GMa27]

I had no problems with Neulasta.

Most common side effect is bone pain for short time. What symptoms are you having? Yes they can reduce the next dosage if you have trouble with it.

[gfreiman in reply to GMa27]

Its hard to describe, but after my last cycle and the Neulasta injection I started feeling "strung out" in addition to the normal fatigue. This feeling gradually reduced and went away after about 10 days. On my follow up blood test 5 days after treatment, my Neutrophils were at 89% so I am thinking that the side effect might be caused by too high of a neutrophils count.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to gfreiman]

What was your absolute neutrophil count? If your treatment has lowered your lymphocyte count to a bit lower than normal levels, 89% neutrophils is quite likely even with neutrophils at a normal level.

[Oleboyredw-uk]

I had Neulasta back in 2012, no side effects as I remember.

[thb4747]

My only issue was bone pain when I was injecting 3x per week. No issues since dropping back to 1x per week.

[BellaBee10]

I had bone pain, a fever and spasms a few times. I felt very fluish. Round 4, you’re nearly there!

[Mystic75]

My husband has had two shots so far - no side affects, yet...knock on wood!