GM-CSF is usually prescribed in HIV/AIDS disease to stimulate the bone marrow to produce several kinds of white blood
cells, and prolong their survival outside the bone marrow. It is used in HIV patients who have low white blood cells
(neutropenia) that can be caused by the disease itself, by opportunistic infections (e.g. CMV) or by antiviral agents (e.g.
zidovudine or ganciclovir). GM-CSF may allow you to continue to take and receive the benefits of your drugs for a longer period of time.
HOW should this medication be taken ?
Your dosage of GM-CSF is _______ micrograms (ug)= ___ml injected under the skin (subcutaneously) every ______.
Be sure to dispose of the used syringe and medication vial in a puncture proof disposable container after injecting the medication.
DO NOT SHAKE.
What should you do if you FORGET a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, however, if it is almost time for your next dose, do not double the dose,
just carry on with your regular schedule. Mark down any missed doses, and call the clinic if you find you have missed more than a few doses, or you are having trouble taking GM-CSF.
What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug cause ? What should you do about them ?
Bone pain, malaise, headaches, flu-like symptoms, muscle-aches, pain and redness at the injection site, and skin
rashes can occur with GM-CSF. Some of these side effects can be controlled with acetaminophen (TylenolÒ). Some
people find the symptoms less troublesome if they give themselves GM-CSF in the evening. Pain and redness around the
injection site can be reduced by alternating injection sites (eg. upper thighs, abdomen above and below the waist, back of arm). See the body map for locations of areas where GM-CSF can be injected.
Rarely, fluid retention (swelling), fluid build-up around the heart and weight gain can occur. These effects usually occur with higher doses.
Occasionally, after the first dose, breathing difficulties, increased heart rate, chills, flushing, nausea, and vomiting can
occur. The first dose(s) of GM-CSF will be given to you by a nurse so that you can be watched for this reaction.
Symptoms of an allergy to GM-CSF include skin rash, shortness of breath and itching.
No data is available on the use of GM-CSF in pregnancy or while breast feeding.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP YOUR DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS, SO THAT YOUR PROGRESS CAN BE ASSESSED REGULARLY.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM.
What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug ?
Drugs that decrease white blood cell production can counteract the benefits of GM-CSF (eg. chemotherapy, zidovudine
(AZT). Please tell your physician or pharmacist which drugs you are taking so that your dosage can be adjusted or alternative management plans can be made if necessary.
How should this medication be STORED?
If you receive GM-CSF in the powder form it can be stored in the refrigerator (2-8 degrees C) for up to 24 months. When
diluted with sterile water for injection (1ml), the product is usable for 24 hours if kept in the refrigerator (2-8 degrees C).
When diluted with bacteriostatic water for injection (1ml), the product is usable for 7 days if kept in the refrigerator.
If you receive more than one days supply of premixed GM-CSF from your pharmacy then you should store the
medication in the freezer. Take the medication out of the freezer 2 hours before you are ready to use it. The diluted
product is usable for up to 28 days if kept in the freezer (-20 to -70° C) and can be thawed and refrozen up to 2 times.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR PHARMACIST, NURSE, OR PHYSICIAN.
WRITE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS DOWN TO ENSURE THEY ARE ADDRESSED.
A pharmacist at ___________________ is available to answer questions.
The telephone number is ___________. Please ask for ____________________.
