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

This is Neupogen. It helps your body make a type of white blood cell called 'neutrophils'. Neutrophils help your body fight infections. Your doctor will order blood tests to make sure Neupogen is working correctly. 

Neupogen is given as an infusion into a vein, or as an injection under the skin. Many patients are taught to give their own injections. Before using Neupogen at home, you should demonstrate an injection to your health care provider. You should also know how to dispose of needles. You should store Neupogen in the refrigerator. Before each injection, you should let the dose sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you have any questions, your doctor or pharmacist can help. 

Some common side effects can occur. You could have tenderness, redness or itching at the injection site. You could also have bone or muscle pains; taking the pain reliever Tylenol, or acetaminophen, can help. These effects are normal if they are mild, and should go away.  If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking Neupogen, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

As with any medicine, rare but more serious side effects can occur. With Neupogen, this can include allergic reactions. Symptoms include a rash, shortness of breath, or swelling, especially around the mouth or eyes. It could cause your spleen to rupture. Symptoms of this could include pain in the left upper stomach or left shoulder. It could make breathing difficult. You should call your doctor right away if you notice these or other unusual changes to your body. 

For best results with Neupogen, read the patient package insert for more information.