Why is my healthcare provider prescribing STIMUFEND® (pegfilgrastim-fpgk)?
How does chemotherapy affect my immune system?
In the fight against cancer, chemotherapy targets cancer cells and healthy cells alike. While fighting cancer, chemotherapy can lower the number of white blood cells (neutrophils) in your body.
White blood cells are an important part of your body’s immune response for fighting infections.
A low white blood cell count (neutropenia) puts you at greater risk for infection.
Developing a fever when you have neutropenia (known as febrile neutropenia) can be life-threatening.
Neutropenia or febrile neutropenia can result in your healthcare provider needing to delay, reduce the dose of, or stop cancer treatment because you may have an infection.
Who may be at risk for infections due to neutropenia caused by chemotherapy?
If you are receiving chemotherapy as cancer treatment, select risk factors for neutropenia-related infections include:
- Being 65 years of age or older
- Prior exposure to chemotherapy or radiation
- Persistent low white blood cell count
- Tumor spreading to bone marrow
- Being underweight or having poor nutrition
- Difficulty doing basic physical activities, such as walking
- Recent surgery and/or open wounds
- Liver or kidney disease
- Other chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease
- HIV infection
- Long-term weakened immune system after organ transplant
Download our Healthcare Provider Discussion Guide 
Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of something you have read on this website.
