Sargramostim (Generic Name)

Other Names: granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, GM-CSF, Prokine®, Leukine®, Leukomax®

About This Drug

This drug belongs to a class of drugs called granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). GM-CSF directs the growth, function, and maturation of white blood cells, which fight infection in your body. This drug is given intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously (SQ).

Possible Side Effects

  • Bone or muscle pain. The pain may be felt in the back, chest, ribs, or legs. This pain can be controlled with medication.
  • Fever with chills up to several hours after receiving the GM-CSF injection
  • Headache
  • Mild pain or skin irritation at the injection site

Treating Side Effects

Take pain medication as directed by your doctor or nurse.

Food and Drug Interactions

There are no known interactions of sargramostim with any food. This drug may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the medications that you are currently taking.

 

When to Call the Doctor

Call your doctor or nurse immediately if you have a fever of 100.5 F (38 C) or above, or chills.
Call your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you have bone or muscle pain unrelieved by prescribed pain medication.

Other Instructions

  • Your blood counts will be monitored during treatment. These counts will help your doctor determine when to discontinue the GM-CSF. Your doctor or nurse will tell you what you must do to complete the lab work.
  • If you are to receive GM-CSF by subcutaneous injection, you will be shown how to prepare the drug and give yourself the injection.
  • Store the vials of GM-CSF in the refrigerator. Never freeze them.
  • Do not shake the vial of GM-CSF. Swirl the fluid in the vial gently before using.
  • Check the expiration date on the label, and properly discard any unused medication after the expiration date.
  • GM-CSF is expensive medication. Review the prescription coverage provided by your insurance carrier. If you do not have prescription coverage, you will need to plan for this expense.

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