Sargramostim

Sargramostim is a man-made form of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). It is used to help increase the number and function of white blood cells after bone marrow transplantation, in cases of bone marrow transplantation failure or engraftment delay, before and after peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, and following induction chemotherapy in older patients with acute myelogenous leukemia.

Indications

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, Following Transplantation of Autologous Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cells, After Autologous/allogenic Bone Marrow Transplantation, Bone Marrow Transplantation Failure or Engraftment Delay

Dosage

IV;250-500 mcg/m2/day , dose varied.

Contra-Indications

Hypersensitivity, Patients with excessive leukaemic myeloid blasts in the bone marrow

Special Precautions

Paediatric: Caution to be exercised Pregnancy: Category C Lactation: excreted in milk Elderly: Caution to be exercised

Side Effects

Transient hypotension; flushing; bone and musculoskeletal pain; fever, chills, dyspnoea; rash; fatigue; GI effects; anaphylactic reactions, pleural and pericardial effusion; cardiac rhythm abnormalities. Antibodies have been detected.

Drug Interactions

lithium, corticosteroids.