Frequently Asked Questions
What Effect Does Chemotherapy Have on White Blood Cells?
Chemotherapy is one of the important stages in cancer treatment and refers to the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. The effect of this treatment method is extensive; in addition to killing cancer cells, it can also weaken the red bone marrow, which is the source of white blood cell production. White blood cells are essential in preventing and limiting infections, and their absence weakens the immune system—one of the side effects associated with chemotherapy.
Tinapeg is the brand name for the drug filgrastim. Tinapeg is a protein-based medication similar to a natural substance in the human body called granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). This drug stimulates the production and growth of white blood cells—especially neutrophils—in the bone marrow. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that play a special role in defending the body against infections. Essentially, the main function of Tinapegt is to boost the immune system and restore it to its normal state.
How Can Tinapeg Help Me?
Neutropenia is a condition in which the body produces very few neutrophils. Tinapeg increases the number of neutrophils in the blood. This medication is used to reduce the incidence of infection in cancer patients who have received strong chemotherapy drugs or high doses of radiation—both of which can cause severe neutropenia—followed by fever. Your body may also fail to produce enough neutrophils in situations other than cancer.
Why Do I Need Blood Tests?
Tinapeg helps your body make more neutrophils. To monitor the effect of Tinapeg, your doctor will ask you to have regular blood tests to check your neutrophil count.
How Should I Check the Appearance of the Medicine?
Tinapeg comes in a prefilled syringe ready for injection and should contain a clear, particle-free solution. To visually check the medicine under sufficient light, place a black background behind the syringe. Gently tilt the syringe and look for particles or sediment. Do not use the medicine if it contains insoluble protein particles. The presence of particles can cause irritation at the injection site, pain, inflammation, severe allergic reactions, and reduced drug effectiveness.
How Should Tinapeg Be Stored?
Tinapeg should be stored in a refrigerator at 2–8°C.
Do not freeze the medicine.
Avoid shaking Tinapeg.
If Tinapeg is accidentally frozen, place it back in the refrigerator until it becomes liquid again. However, if it freezes a second time, do not use it. Tinapeg can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours; do not use a syringe that has been at room temperature for more than 24 hours.
Do not expose the medicine to direct sunlight.
How Can I Reduce Pain or Burning at the Injection Site?
Before a subcutaneous injection, take Tinapeg out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Apply ice to the injection site afterward to reduce pain in the area.
Use a different injection site each time.
What Important Information Should I Know About Tinapeg?
Tinapeg may reduce your risk of infection but will not prevent all infections. Infections may occur during the short period when your neutrophil count is still low. You should remain alert and watch for signs such as fever, chills, hives, sore throat, diarrhea, redness, or swelling. If you develop any of these symptoms while taking Tinapeg, contact your doctor or nurse immediately.
You may also have a reaction around the injection site. If a swollen lump or bruise forms that does not go away, inform your doctor.
If you have sickle cell anemia, tell your doctor before starting this medicine. If your sickle cell condition worsens during treatment, contact your doctor immediately.
If you have osteoporosis, inform your doctor.
If you have fructose intolerance, inform your doctor.
If you experience any unusual bleeding or bruising while taking Tinapeg, inform your doctor immediately, as this may be due to a drop in blood platelets, reducing your blood’s ability to clot.
Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including vitamin and herbal supplements.
What Are the Common Side.
Effects of tinapeg?
Like all medicines, this drug may cause some unwanted side effects in addition to its therapeutic effects. Not all side effects occur in every patient.
The most common side effect is bone and muscle pain, usually mild to moderate, and relieved with non-opioid painkillers.
Other short-term side effects may include joint pain, headache, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, occasional cough and chest pain, and allergic reactions such as hives.