Why is this medication prescribed?

Efbemalenograstim alfa-vuxw injection is used to decrease the chance of infection in people who have nonmyeloid cancer (cancer that does not involve the bone marrow) and are receiving chemotherapy medications that may decrease the number of neutrophils (a type of blood cell needed to fight infection). Efbemalenograstim alfa-vuxw is in a class of medications called colony-stimulating factors. It works by helping the body make more neutrophils.

How should this medicine be used?

Efbemalenograstim alfa-vuxw comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) by a healthcare provider. It is usually given as a single dose for each chemotherapy cycle, no sooner than 24 hours after the last dose of chemotherapy of the cycle is given and more than 14 days before beginning the next chemotherapy cycle.

Request a copy of the patient’s manufacturer’s information from your pharmacist or physician.

Other uses for this medicine

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information if you think this medicine could be recommended for something else.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be observed when taking Efbemalenograstim alfa-vuxw injection to ensure safe and effective use:

• If you are allergic to any of the following: latex, efbemalenograstim alfa-vuxw injection ingredients, filgrastim (Granix, Neupogen, Nivestym, Releuko, Zarxio), pegfilgrastim (Fulphila, Fylnetra, Neulasta, Nyvepria, Stimufend, Udenyca, Ziextenzo), any other medications, or any combination of these: notify your doctor and pharmacist about any allergies. Get an ingredient list from your pharmacist.
• Inform your physician and pharmacist about any additional prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies you now take or intend to use.
• Inform your physician if you now have or have ever had renal issues, low platelet counts (a type of blood cell), or anemia (a lower than normal number of red blood cells).
• If you have sickle cell disease, let your doctor know. This blood condition can lead to internal organ damage, severe crises, low red blood cell counts, and infections. You may be more susceptible to experiencing a crisis while receiving efbemalenograstim alfa-vuxw injections if you have sickle cell disease. If you experience a sickle cell crisis while receiving treatment, contact your doctor straight immediately.
• Inform your physician if you are nursing a baby, intend to get pregnant, or are already pregnant. Contact your doctor if you become pregnant while taking the efbemalenograstim alfa-vux injection.
• Be sure to let the doctor or dentist know that you are receiving an efbemalenograstim alfa-vuxw injection if you are having surgery, including dental surgery.
• It is important for you to understand that while efbemalenograstim alfa-vuxw injection reduces the risk of infection, it cannot completely eliminate infections that could arise during or following chemotherapy. If you experience any of the following infection-related symptoms: fever, chills, rash, sore throat, diarrhea, or redness, swelling, or pain around a cut or sore. Contact your doctor.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• While there are no specific dietary restrictions for efbemalenograstim alfa-vuxw injection, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is important for overall health and well-being.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Call your doctor as soon as possible if you are scheduled for an efbemalenograstim alfa-vuxw injection and you miss it.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Efbemalenograstim alfa-vuxw injection are generally well-tolerated medications, but like all drugs, they can cause side effects in some individuals. Here are some potential side effects associated with each medication:

• Nausea
• Pain in the left upper part of the stomach or the tip of your left shoulder
• Fever, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, or fast breathing
• Rash; hives; itching; swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth; wheezing; shortness of breath; dizziness; or rapid heartbeat
• Swelling of your face or ankles, bloody or dark colored urine, decreased urination
• Unusual bleeding or bruising, fever, or tiredness
• Fever, abdominal pain, back pain, feeling unwell
• Swelling of stomach area or other swelling, decreased urination, trouble breathing, dizziness, tiredness

Some people who received efbemalenograstim alfa-vuxw injection developed other forms of cancer such as leukemia (cancer that begins in the white blood cells) and myelodysplastic syndrome (condition in which blood cells do not develop normally). Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving this medication.

Efbemalenograstim alfa-vuxw injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

• In case of an overdose or emergency, contact your local poison control center (in the United States, you can call 1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency medical attention immediately.
• Be prepared to provide information about the medications ingested, the amount taken, and any symptoms experienced.

What other information should I know?

Remember to keep all of your doctor’s and the laboratory’s appointments. In order to monitor your body’s reaction to the efbemalenograstim alfa-vuxw injection, your doctor will prescribe specific lab tests.

Inform the technician and your doctor that you are receiving an injection of efbemalenograstim alfa-vuxw prior to having a bone imaging study. The dosage of efbemalenograstim alfa-vuxw may have an impact on the outcomes of this kind of research.

You should maintain a written record of all the medications you take, including over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications, as well as any dietary supplements you may be taking, such as vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought along to every doctor’s appointment and hospital admission. Having this information on hand is also essential in case of an emergency.