Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.  

This is Neulasta. It keeps healthy levels of white blood cells in your body. White blood cells protect you from infections. Strong chemotherapy and radiation can lower white blood cell counts.

Neulasta must be given at least 24 hours after chemotherapy. Also, it should not be given in the 14 days before chemotherapy. 

Neulasta is given as an injection under your skin. The dose comes in a prefilled syringe. Your nurse may give you the dose, or your doctor may teach you or your caregiver to give the dose at home. If so, you should read the full 'Instructions for Use'. Remember to refrigerate the syringe until 30 minutes before your dose. Also, make sure you have a sharps container for the used syringe. If you still have questions, your doctor or pharmacist can help. 

Neulasta can cause side effects. The most common one is pain in the arms, legs or bones. You should talk to your doctor about how to prevent this pain, and how to treat it if it happens. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking Neulasta, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

As with any medicine, rare but more serious side effects can occur. You should read the Patient Information sheet to know what side effects to watch for, and when to report symptoms. For example, tell your doctor right away if you have trouble breathing, pain in the upper stomach or shoulder, sickle cell pain, or swelling in your stomach, face or ankles. Also, call right away if you feel dizzy or flushed, or if you have a fever or changes in your urine.   

For best results with Neulasta, ask about helpful support services that are available.