Filgrastim: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Filgrastim is a white blood cell growth factor (G-CSF). It is a prescription medicine used for low white blood cell count after chemotherapy, severe chronic neutropenia and stem cell collection. In Pakistan it is available as injections, made by 7 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Filgrastim works

Filgrastim is a man-made copy of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), a natural protein that signals the bone marrow. It encourages the marrow to produce more neutrophils and release them into the bloodstream, helping the body defend itself against bacteria and fungi.

What is Filgrastim used for?

• Low white blood cell count after chemotherapy
• Severe chronic neutropenia
• Stem cell collection

Filgrastim is used to raise the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that fights infection, when they have fallen after chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant. This shortens the period of low counts and lowers the risk of serious infections. It is also used for some people with long-term neutropenia and to move stem cells into the blood so they can be collected for transplant.

Side effects of Filgrastim

Bone or muscle aches are the effects people notice most often with Filgrastim. Other common side effects include:

• Bone pain, often in the back, hips or legs
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Nausea
• Redness or pain at the injection site
• Tiredness

Get urgent help for pain in the upper left side of the abdomen or the tip of the left shoulder, which can be a sign of an enlarged spleen. Also seek help for breathlessness, cough with fever, or swelling of the face or throat.

Precautions and warnings

• Filgrastim is given under the supervision of a specialist, with regular blood counts to check how well it is working.
• Tell your doctor if you have sickle cell disease, as it can trigger a sickle cell crisis.
• Paracetamol is often suitable for bone pain, but check with your care team before taking other painkillers.
• If you inject it at home, store it in a refrigerator, do not freeze it, and dispose of needles safely.
• Discuss its use with your specialist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions about Filgrastim

What is the price of Filgrastim in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Filgrastim products currently in stock range from Rs 1,600 to Rs 7,488 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Geneleukim 75mcg Injection at Rs 1,600. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Filgrastim are available in Pakistan?

Filgrastim is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Geneleukim (Aster), Jilifen (A.J Mirza), Grastin (CCL Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Filgen (Ferozsons Laboratories Limited), Auspogen (Global-vision), Filgras (Pharmadic) and Neupogen (Roche).

Do I need a prescription for Filgrastim?

Yes. Filgrastim is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Filgrastim be used during pregnancy?

Discuss its use with your specialist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Are all Filgrastim brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Filgrastim in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Filgrastim brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 13 products containing Filgrastim from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.