Neulasta Drug Interactions

When chemotherapy medications are taken together with Neulasta, drug interactions may potentially occur. Taking Neulasta any time within two weeks before until 24 hours after chemotherapy can actually increase the risk of low white blood cells. When lithium is taken with Neulasta, interactions may also occur that could lead to serious problems, such as heart attacks or strokes.

 

Neulasta Drug Interactions: An Overview

Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) can potentially interact with other medications. Some of these medicines that may lead to Neulasta drug interactions include:
 

Neulasta Interactions Explained

The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when Neulasta is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
 
Chemotherapy Medications
Neulasta should not be taken any time within two weeks before chemotherapy until 24 hours afterwards. Neulasta stimulates the bone marrow, and chemotherapy tends to target rapidly growing cells (such as stimulated bone marrow cells). Therefore, using Neulasta just before or after chemotherapy may actually increase the risk of low white blood cells. Usually, Neulasta is given the day after chemotherapy to avoid this complication.
 
Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
Lithium and Neulasta both increase the production of white blood cells. While this may seem like a beneficial drug interaction, it can be rather dangerous. Increasing the white blood cell count too much can increase the risk of very serious problems, such as strokes and heart attacks. If your healthcare provider recommends that you take these medications at the same time, more frequent blood counts are necessary to make sure your white blood cell levels do not get too high.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;