Filgristim Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Filgristim is a drug used to treat Leukopenia
  • Leukopenia: Abnormally low number of white blood cells
  • Makes patients susceptible to infections
• Mnemonic device: Filgristim sounds like "field grass"

Usage

• Main Use: Increases neutrophil count
• Clinical Setting: Commonly used to treat patients with leukopenia
  • Often these patients are undergoing chemotherapy
  • Chemotherapy can lower white blood cell counts, increasing infection risk

Mechanism

• Filgristim helps increase neutrophil levels
  • Neutrophils act like nets capturing bacteria
  • Mnemonic: Neutrophil net or "netrophil"

Conditions Treated

• Leukopenia: Low white blood cell count
• Neutropenia: Low neutrophil count
• Filgristim may be prescribed for both conditions

Side Effects

• Not high yield for NCLEX, but include:
  • Joint pain
  • Bone pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Hypertension

Summary

• Filgristim increases neutrophil count in the body
• Primarily combats low white blood cell counts due to chemotherapy
• Remember: Filgristim is for leukopenia and neutropenia

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