Indications: Treatment of neutropenia, defined as ANC 500-750/mm3, as a result of HIV disease, chemotherapy, or other drugs (hydroxyurea, ganciclovir, ZDV, TMP-SMX). Contraindications: Known hypersensitivity to drug or Escherichia coli-derived products. Dosage: 5-10 mcg/kg/day SC. Complete blood count should be checked twice a week, and ANC should be maintained at 1,000-2,000/ml. G-CSF should be stopped if there is no response after 7 days at a dose of 10 mcg/kg/day. Toxicity: Bone pain. Pregnancy category C.
Chemotherapy kills cancer cells, but also decreases the number of white blood cells in the bone marrow, which fight infections. G-CSF is a growth factor, which stimulates the growth of white blood cells.