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Find out more about chemotherapy and different side effects associated with chemotherapy...
Chemotherapy - protect against infection during chemo cancer treatment
Protection Against Infection

In addition to Neulasta®, there are other important and simple steps you can take to protect yourself against infection:
 chemo side effect - infection protection
Take your temperature every day at the same time (or as recommended by your doctor).1 Why take your temperature? Fever higher than 100.4° F (38° C) is one of the first symptoms of infection
If your resistance to infection is low, you may also experience other symptoms.
Immediately report these and any other symptoms listed below to your doctor or nurse:
Fever higher than 100.4° F (38° C)
Chills
Cough or sore throat
Loose stools/diarrhea over 24 hours
Change in urination
Mouth ulcers or sores in the throat or around the rectum
Unusual vaginal discharge or itching
Redness, swelling, or sores on skin
 
Wash your hands frequently and with extra care, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Scrub thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Cleanse your mouth every few hours with warm salt water.
Use a soft toothbrush that will not hurt your gums.
Clean your rectal area gently, but thoroughly, after bowel movements; wipe from front to back.
Take a warm bath or shower daily, and pat your skin dry.
Take extra care to protect your skin. For instance, use:
  • Lotion or oil if skin becomes dry and cracked
  • An electric shaver, instead of a razor
  • Warm water, soap, and an antiseptic to clean cuts and scrapes
Thoroughly clean and cook all foods.
To prevent vitamin deficiency, adjust your diet and use supplements as directed by your doctor.
 
Avoid additional problems
To help protect yourself against infection and other potential problems during chemotherapy, try to avoid the following:
Crowds and people with colds or infections
Cuts or tears of the nail cuticles
Squeezing or scratching pimples
Taking medicine to reduce the symptoms of infection without your doctor's consent
Situations in which you may bruise or break your skin
Immunization shots, unless you check first with your doctor
 
Continue to Managing Other Side Effects
 

Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) is prescribed to reduce the risk of infection (initially marked by fever) in patients with some tumors receiving strong chemotherapy that decreases the number of infection-fighting white blood cells.

Important product safety information
Ruptured spleen (including fatal cases), serious allergic reactions, and a serious lung problem called acute respiratory distress syndrome have been reported. Call your doctor or seek emergency care right away if you have abdominal or shoulder tip pain, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, a fast rate of breathing, or any allergic reaction. The most common side effect of this injection is mild to moderate bone pain. If you have any questions about this information, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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