Sargramostim

(sar GRAM oh stim)

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Do not give this drug to a newborn. It has benzyl alcohol.
• Not if your child has an allergy to sargramostim or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Do not give this drug to your child on the same day that he/she gets chemo or radiation.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to treat cancer patients who have had bone marrow problems caused by chemo.
• It is used to treat low white blood cell counts.

How does this drug work?

• Sargramostim helps make white blood cells in the bone marrow.

How is this drug given?

• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
• It is given into a vein for a period of time.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better 1 week after starting this drug.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Call your doctor for an office visit.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• If your child has lung disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has a weak heart, talk with the doctor.
• Have your child's blood work checked. The dose of this drug may be changed depending on the results. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Irritation where the shot is given.
• Headache.
• Fever and chills.
• Not able to sleep.
• Swelling in the feet or hands.
• Bone pain. You may be given drugs before this shot to avoid these signs.
• Aches and pains. Mild pain drugs may help.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• High blood pressure.
• Low blood pressure, a fast heartbeat, flushing, and passing out may rarely happen with the first dose.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).
• Unsafe allergic effects may rarely happen.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child shows signs of very bad dizziness or passes out.
• If your child has a fast heartbeat.
• If your child has trouble breathing.
• If your child has swelling in his/her legs or belly.
• If your child has very loose stools (diarrhea).
• If your child has a big weight gain.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• This drug will be given to your child in a hospital or doctor's office. You will not store it at home.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.