Filgrastim
Filgrastim is a recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) that stimulates the production and activation of neutrophils, essential white blood cells for fighting infections. It is primarily used to reduce the risk of infection in patients with severely low neutrophil counts due to chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, or chronic neutropenia conditions.
Filgrastim is a white blood cell growth factor used to prevent infections in patients with low neutrophil counts.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L03AA02
- RxNorm
- 68442
- Generic
- Filgrastim
- Class
- atc-l03
- Brands
- Granix, Zarxio, Nivestym, Neupogen, Releuko, Nypozi
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- prefilled syringe, injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 5 mcg/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5 mcg/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5 mcg/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus; consider discontinuation if pregnancy confirmed
regular prenatal checkups, ultrasound monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
continue only if clinically indicated; benefits may outweigh risks
routine prenatal monitoring, fetal growth assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use when benefits outweigh risks; can be used during labor and delivery
fetal monitoring during labor, routine prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
no adjustment needed
generally considered compatible; minimal transfer to breast milk expected due to large molecular weight
monitor infant for any unusual symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
age 65 and olderstart at lower end of dosing range
use with caution due to increased risk of splenic rupture and bone pain; monitor closely
regular CBC monitoring, assess for splenomegaly and bone pain
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
pediatric 0 18 yearsweight-based dosing recommended
approved for use in pediatric patients; monitor for bone pain and splenomegaly
regular CBC monitoring, periodic splenic assessment
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment required
no renal dose adjustment needed; drug is not renally cleared
standard CBC monitoring
renal_impairment
severeno dose adjustment required
no dose adjustment needed; not eliminated by kidneys
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution
limited data in hepatic impairment; use only if benefits outweigh risks
monitor liver function and CBC
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks; limited data available
close monitoring of liver function and blood counts
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Neupogen was the first FDA-approved Filgrastim product
Drug class
Therapeutic class classification
Primary indication
Main therapeutic use
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Reduces infection risk in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy; reduces neutropenia duration after bone marrow transplantation; mobilizes autologous peripheral blood progenitor cells; treats severe congenital neutropenia, cyclic neutropenia, and idiopathic neutropenia.
Binds to specific G-CSF receptors on hematopoietic cells, stimulating neutrophil progenitor cell proliferation, differentiation, and maturation in the bone marrow, thereby increasing circulating neutrophil counts and enhancing their immune function.
Common side effects include bone pain, fever, and injection site reactions. Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to filgrastim or E. coli-derived proteins. Requires regular blood count monitoring. Should not be administered within 24 hours of chemotherapy or within 12 hours of radiation therapy.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy