DESCRIPTION
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Pegfilgrastim is a colony-stimulating factor that acts on hematopoietic cells by binding to specific cell surface receptors, thereby stimulating proliferation, differentiation, commitment, and end cell functional activation.actor receptor type 1 (CSF-1R), and the glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor receptor (RET).
ABSORPTION
The absorption of pegfilgrastim is largely dependent on the lymphatic system due to the attached PEG group contributing to the large size of the drug.
It is slowly absorbed following subcutaneous administration with a time to peak concentration (Tmax) of about one to two days.
INDICATIONS
Pegfilgrastim is indicated to decrease the incidence of infection, as manifested
by febrile neutropenia, in patients with non myeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive anti-cancer drugs associated with a clinically significant incidence of febrile neutropenia.8
It is also indicated to increase survival in patients acutely exposed to myelosuppressive
doses of radiation (Hematopoietic Subsyndrome of Acute Radiation Syndrome).8
TOXICITY
The maximum safe dose of pegfilgrastim has not been established; however, the highest dose used in clinical
trials was 300 mcg/kg.7 Overdosage of pegfilgrastim may result in leukocytosis and bone pain. Events of edema, dyspnea, and pleural effusion have been reported in a single patient who self-administered pegfilgrastim on 8 consecutive days in error. In the event of overdose, the patient should be monitored for signs and symptoms of toxicity and responded with appropriate general supportive care.8,7
SPECIFICATION
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