Pegfilgrastim
Pegfilgrastim is a long-acting form of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) that stimulates the bone marrow to produce and activate neutrophils, a type of white blood cell essential for fighting infections. It is primarily used to reduce the incidence of febrile neutropenia (fever with low white blood cell counts) in patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy for cancer. The medication is administered as a single subcutaneous injection per chemotherapy cycle.
Pegfilgrastim is a white blood cell booster that prevents life-threatening infections in chemotherapy patients by stimulating neutrophil production.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L03AA13
- RxNorm
- 338036
- Generic
- Pegfilgrastim
- Class
- atc-l03
- Brands
- Fulphila, Udenyca, Ziextenzo, Nyvepria, Fylnetra, Stimufend, Armlupeg, Neulasta
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, prefilled syringe
- 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
- 6mg once per chemotherapy cycle
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once per cycle (24-48 hours after chemotherapy)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 100 mcg/kg once per chemotherapy cycle
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once per cycle (24-48 hours after chemotherapy)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 6mg once per chemotherapy cycle
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once per cycle (24-48 hours after chemotherapy)
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring and obstetric assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesteruse standard dosing
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks
fetal monitoring and uterine activity assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingnot recommended
discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug based on importance of treatment
monitor infant for any adverse effects
geriatric
elderly 65 yearsno specific adjustment
can be used with standard dosing, monitor for potential adverse reactions
monitor renal function and blood counts
pediatric_age
infants 1 month to 2 yearsuse with caution, individualize dosing
approved for use in pediatric patients 1 month and older for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia
close monitoring of blood counts and growth parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescents 2 18 yearsweight-based dosing
approved for pediatric use, standard dosing applies
regular blood count monitoring
renal_impairment
mild moderateno dose adjustment required
can be used in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment
monitor renal function periodically
renal_impairment
severe esrdno specific adjustment recommended
use with caution, monitor closely
monitor renal function and blood counts
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno specific adjustment
use with caution, limited clinical data
monitor liver function tests and blood counts
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
limited data available, use only if benefits outweigh risks
close monitoring of liver function and hematologic parameters
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Therapeutic class classification for Pegfilgrastim
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval date for Neulasta
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacologic action
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication
Prevention of febrile neutropenia in patients with non-myeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy; neutrophil recovery support after bone marrow transplantation; mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells for collection and subsequent autologous transplantation.
Pegfilgrastim binds to specific cell surface receptors (G-CSF receptors) on hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow, stimulating the proliferation, differentiation, commitment, and functional activation of neutrophil precursors, thereby increasing circulating neutrophil counts.
Should not be administered within 14 days before or 24 hours after chemotherapy due to risk of bone marrow toxicity. Common side effects include bone pain, myalgia, and injection site reactions. Rare but serious risks include splenic rupture and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Not recommended for patients with known hypersensitivity to filgrastim or pegfilgrastim.
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