Colstim Injection

Colstim Injection is given as an injection by a qualified medical professional. You should continue to take as long as your doctor advises for it. The duration of treatment varies according to your need and response to treatment. You might be asked to get regular tests done to check the number of blood cells in your blood and your bone density level while you are taking this medicine.

The most common side effects of this medicine include bone pain, weakness, headache, and rash. Other than this, pain or redness at the site of injection is common. But, inform your doctor if you notice a lump, swelling, or bruising that does not go away. It might not prevent you from all kinds of infection, hence inform your doctor if you notice fever, chills, rash, sore throat, and swelling around the face or neck.

Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.

Prevention of Infections after chemotherapy

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Colstim Injection is a growth factor that stimulates the bone marrow to produce white blood cells. These cells protect the body against infections.

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If you miss a dose of Colstim Injection, please consult your doctor.

Colstim Injection reduces the risk of infection in people treated with chemotherapy.

It is usually given as a daily injection into the tissue just under the skin or into the vein. 

You will normally receive your first dose at least 24 hours after your chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant.

Store it in the refrigerator, protect it from light, and don’t shake it.

For a more comfortable injection, leave the syringe at room temperature for 30 minutes before using it.

Pain or redness in the area of injection is common. Let your doctor know if you notice a lump, swelling, or bruising that doesn’t go away.

Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Colstim Injection may cause dizziness.

Your doctor may get regular tests done to monitor the number of blood cells in your blood, and your bone density level while you are receiving treatment with this medicine.

Stop taking Colstim Injection and inform your doctor if you have a fever, shortness of breath, fast rate of breathing or trouble breathing.

Q. Is Colstim Injection safe?

Colstim Injection is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.

Q. How does Colstim Injection work?

Colstim Injection works by stimulating the bone marrow (organ in the body where blood cells are produced) to increase the production of specific types of blood cells called neutrophils that help fight infections.

Q. What are the uses of Colstim Injection?

Colstim Injection is used during cancer treatment (chemotherapy), bone marrow transplantation, severe chronic neutropenia (low number of a type of white blood cells called neutrophils), neutropenia in patients with HIV infection, and before stem cell donation.

Q. Does Colstim Injection cause cancer?

No, Colstim Injection does not cause cancer.

Q. Why does Colstim Injection cause bone pain?

The exact cause in unknown, but bone pain is a common side-effect of Colstim Injection.

In Prevention of Infections after chemotherapy

Colstim Injection increases the production of white blood cells by stimulating the immune system in our body. White blood cells are those cells that help us to fight infections. This medicine is really effective and must be used under medical supervision. Avoid being in crowds and wash your hands often to prevent any infections. Have plenty of fluids, unless otherwise advised by the doctor not to.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)

Breathing problems

Cough

Decreased appetite

Constipation

Diarrhea

Fatigue

Hair loss

Oropharyngeal pain

Increased uric acid level in blood

Vomiting

Increased lactate dehydrogenase level in blood

Nausea

Rash

Headache

Weakness

Bone pain

Alcohol:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Colstim Injection. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Colstim Injection may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Colstim Injection is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.

Driving:UNSAFE

Colstim Injection may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.Colstim Injection may cause fatigue. This may affect your driving ability.

Kidney:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Colstim Injection is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Colstim Injection is recommended.

Liver:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Colstim Injection is safe to use in patients with liver disease. No dose adjustment of Colstim Injection is recommended.

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