What is Releuko®?

Releuko® from Amneal Biosciences7

Releuko® (filgrastim-ayow) is an FDA-approved biosimilar to Neupogen® (filgrastim).

Filgrastim is a man-made form of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), a substance naturally produced by the body that stimulates the growth of neutrophils (nu-tro-fils). Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell important in the body’s fight against infection. When

Chemotherapy, an autoimmune disease or an infection may lower your neutrophil counts, resulting in a condition called neutropenia. Neutropenia can cause swelling and repeated infections. Releuko is used to treat this condition.

How to Use
Releuko injections can be given by a healthcare professional via intravenous (IV) infusion or under your skin (subcutaneous injection). Your healthcare provider may decide subcutaneous injections can be given at home by you or your caregiver. If Releuko is given at home, see the detailed “Instructions for Use” that comes with your Releuko prescription for information on how to prepare and inject a dose of the medication.

Who should NOT take Releuko?
Patients who have had a serious allergic reaction to human G-CSFs such as filgrastim or pegfilgrastim products should NOT take Releuko.

Risk of Infection

Managing your health

It’s important to do all you can to protect yourself against infection during chemotherapy. Read more about why this is and what you can to help prevent unnecessary exposure.

What is an infection and why am I at risk?
An infection is when germs such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi get into your body and multiply, causing you to feel ill or damage your organs. The immune system within your body is normally able to prevent and fight infections. Chemotherapy impairs your immune system by reducing the number of infection-fighting cells called neutrophils that are able to protect you from getting sick.

What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a life-threatening complication where the body is unable to fight infection. Patients with cancer who get an infection are at risk for developing sepsis.

What are the signs and symptoms of sepsis?4
Use this handy acronym to of the word sepsis itself to help remember the signs.

S – Shivering, fever, or very cold
E – Extreme pain or general discomfort (“worst ever”)
P – Pale or discolored skin
S – Sleepy, difficult to rouse, confused
I – “I feel like I might die”
S – Short of breath

How can I prevent infection?1,2
The following precautions are suggested as preventative measures:

  • Try to avoid crowded areas and people who you know are sick.
  • Do not share eating utensils, cups, plates, your toothbrush, or other personal care items with anyone.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, especially before you cook or eat, after you use the bathroom, after cleaning up after your pet, and after being in a public place.
  • Bathe or shower daily, and use an unscented moisturizer to prevent dry and cracked skin.
  • Brush your teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush only.
  • Use an electric shaver, not a razor.
  • Carefully wash raw fruits and vegetables.
  • Make sure that meat and eggs are cooked all the way through.
  • Wear gloves when gardening and doing yard work.
  • Protect yourself from your pet’s urine and fecal waste by wearing gloves when cleaning up after your pet; better yet, have someone else do it.
  • Keep household surfaces as clean as you can.
  • Ask your doctor for permission to get the seasonal flu shot as soon as it is available.

What are the signs and symptoms of an infection?2,3

  • A fever that is 100.5⁰F (38⁰F) or higher
  • Chills
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Sores or a white coating in your mouth
  • Ear pain
  • Headache
  • Nasal congestion or sinus pain
  • Stiff or sore neck
  • Skin rash, redness, or soreness
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Bloody or cloudy urine
  • Unusual vaginal discharge or irritation
  • Diarrhea or vomiting

When should I call my doctor?2,3

  • If you suspect sepsis, see a doctor urgently, call 911, or go to a hospital and say, “I am concerned about sepsis.”
  • If you have cancer, getting an infection is a medical emergency that must be taken care of as soon as possible. When you speak with a doctor, make sure you say, “I HAVE CANCER AND AM CONCERNED • ABOUT INFECTION AND SEPSIS.”
  • Make sure you ask your doctor before taking any medications, including acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®), NSAID drugs (such a Motrin®, Advil®, and Aleve®), or aspirin.
  • Ask your doctor before receiving any shot or vaccine.

It’s easy to access the Amneal PATHways Patient Support Program

Amneal PATHways® Patient Support Program offers services such as:

  • Benefits investigation
  • Prior authorization support
  • Affordability options
  • Claims assistance
Learn More

PATHways provides you with a straight-forward range of resources and services designed to easily map your personal path toward more accessible medication. Learn what is available to you and how to keep things moving along your individual treatment path.

References:
7. Releuko® Full Prescribing Information https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=74e1ec6e-1630-4654-895c-2bd355f939e7