SARGRAMOSTIM

Sargramostim is a hematopoietic growth factor classified as a colony-stimulating factor. It was approved in March 1991 for the treatment of neutropenia resulting from chemotherapy.

Sargramostim has been developed to treat acute radiation syndrome, peripheral progenitor cell transplantation and it can also be used for bone marrow transplantation.

It should only be administered by a trained doctor or nurse experienced in giving chemotherapy. The medicine will be given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, usually once daily. The injection should be given at the same time every day, preferably in the morning. Do not self-administer the injection. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease severity and other factors.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Sargramostim are mouth sores, lung problems, headache, rash, abdominal pain, decreased appetite and lack of energy. If you experience any allergic or unusual reactions after taking this medicine, report to your doctor immediately.

This drug is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to sargramostim or any of its components. Also, it should not be used in patients with excessive leukemic myeloid blasts or in patients with known hypersensitivity to yeast-derived products, as this drug is produced in yeast cells. Additionally, caution should be taken in patients with underlying medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, pulmonary infiltrates or pulmonary edema, or renal insufficiency, as these conditions may be exacerbated by sargramostim therapy.

This drug is not recommended during pregnancy as it causes harm to the unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider before beginning this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. This medicine has been associated with the development of capillary leak syndrome, a rare disorder that can cause fluid and protein to leak out of blood vessels and into surrounding tissues. If you experience any symptoms like swelling, low blood pressure, or difficulty breathing. Consult your doctor immediately. It is recommended to avoid administering solutions containing benzyl alcohol, including this injection, which should not be given to neonates and low birth weight infants.

A balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports overall health and may assist in maintaining adequate nutrition during sargramostim therapy. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to provide vitamins and minerals that support blood cell production. Adequate fluid intake helps maintain proper body function during treatment.

Sargramostim - Food and Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/103362s5240lbl.pdf (Accessed on April 20, 2023). Leukine® (sargramostim). Available at: https://www.leukine.com/ (Accessed on April 20, 2023). Bertram.G.Katzung, Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, Drugs Used to Treat Diseases of the Blood, Inflammation, & Gout, 14th edition, 2017, 602. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Inflammation, Immunomodulation, Hematopoiesis. 2011,1073-1074.