Talk to me about Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) experiences

Hi there, I moved your question about pegfilgrastim pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) to this existing discussion:

- Talk to me about Neulasta experiences https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/talk-to-me-about-neulasta-experiences/

I did this so you can click the link to read previous posts and join @loribmt and others with their experience with this medication used to increase production of WBC after chemo treatments to help avoid infections from lower immunity.

Several members were told by their oncologists to take Claritin allergy med to prevent and alleviate the pain associated with the Neulasta. Not Clairitin D, just the regular Claritin 24-hour capsule. Was this suggested for you?

How did you feel after the neulasta shot to increase WBC?
OMG got the pegfilgrastim shot after chemo and it kicked my butt..or maybe contributed to chemo. Ya fourth day sucked. Day 5 post first infusion I feel a bit better. What were some of your experiences. I took the shot at 48 hrs post chemo, next round I will take it at 24 hrs so steroid still on board.

Good morning! Hi Lori! On our way to Val’s dermatology appointment so just a quick reply regarding Neulasta. NastyLasta is what his hematology nurse called it. He had some bone pain and took Claritin (side note: he was told to take original Claritin, not generic) but he said it kicked his butt worse than the chemo or immunotherapy together. Off we go . More later🌻🌻

Hi Lori
Thank you so much for replying.
You just feel like you are losing your mind. What's going on with me,I used to have so much energy. Now all I can do is stay in bed.
I have had 4 chemo treatments and 3 neulasta injections. You may be right about the chemo. I guess I just assumed it was the neulasta.
I have been taking Claritin and the Dr also prescribed gabapentin at night which does help.
I have 2 more treatments and then an MRI.
Thanks again for taking the time to respond.
It helps for someone to understand.
Pat

Hello @plshouse1. The more common side effect from Neulasta is the bone pain that can happen for several days. I just read a previous reply of yours talking about the pain associated with this. I don’t know where you are on your chemo rounds but if you get another shot of Neulasta ask your oncologist if it’s ok for you to take over-the-counter Claritin antihistamine!
(not Claritin D) That is one of the best ways to mitigate the pain and discomfort. My oncologist told me to take it and we have a discussion on Connect with other members saying the same thing, that their oncologist suggested Claritin.

~Talk to me about Neulasta experiences: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/talk-to-me-about-neulasta-experiences/

Instead of the Neulasta being the culprit for your weakness, brain fog and fatigue could it be the chemo itself? All of those can be pretty common side effects of the chemotherapy as it also knocks down the blood counts as well as cancer cells. The impact of the chemo may be bothering you more each month as your treatments progress because each month it can take a little longer to bounce back. That’s probably why your doctor gave you Neulasta this month to help ramp up your white blood cell production.

I really can empathize with how you feel. It’s just draining mentally to be so fatigued and not feeling normal. But it’s a means to fighting the cancer and our bodies have amazing recuperative abilities. So hang in there and get through the treatments…then the healing can begin. There’s no guilt for lying around reading, binging on movies or listening to music. ☺️ But do try to walk several times daily…doesn’t have to be far and drink plenty of water to keep the toxins flushing through.

Do you have more chemo ahead?

Has anyone had side effects from neulasta that have lasted for many days. I have been weak,foggy and can hardly get out of bed for days.
Has anyone had the same?

WOW!!! Wish I knew this info back in 2007. I dreaded the shots more than the chemo. Early-stage cancer typically isn't painful but the treatment is well you know what I want to say. I'm convinced all the Arimidex and Neulasta is what has my hips and low back such as mess now all these years later. I use a shopping service because I cannot walk the whole store. I'm seeing a Dr. soon now that my (recurrence of cancer) bilateral mastectomy has finally healed. I had a dehiscence. Also, asking for a pet scan.

Yes! Totally true- Claritin was a life saver for the post-Neulasta pain

Hi it’s Selwena
How are you feeling ?

I took the patch instead, also for the first 4 cycles. It when super, not having to go out the day after the chemo. Did not take anything like antihistamine and I was fine.