♦Sargramostim

(sar-gram’-oh-stim)

Leukine

Pregnancy Category C

Mechanism of Action

Activates mature granulocytes and macrophages; promotes the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells.

Indications

♦ To accelerate neutrophil recovery and reduce the incidence of severe and life-threatening infections after induction chemotherapy in older patients (>55 years) with acute myelogenous leukemia.

♦ Use in mobilization and after transplantation of autologous peripheral blood progenitor cells.

♦ To accelerate myeloid recovery in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and Hodgkin’s disease who are undergoing autologous bone marrow transplantation.

♦ For patients who have undergone allogenic or autologous bone marrow transplantation in whom engraftment is delayed or has failed.

Metabolism/Excretion

Metabolism unknown. Elimination half-life: 12 to 17 minutes, followed by a slower decrease (2 hours) after IV administration. Serum levels peak at 2 hours after SQ injection.

Dosage Range

Adult

♦ Neutrophil recovery after chemotherapy in acute myelogenous leukemia: 250 mcg/m² per day IV over 4 hours starting roughly on day 11, or 4 days after the completion of induction chemotherapy. Dose can be halved if the neutrophil count exceeds 20,000/mm³.

♦ Mobilization and after transplantation of autologous peripheral blood progenitor cells: 250 mcg/m² per day IV over 24 hours or injected daily SQ. Continue until peripheral blood progenitor cell collection is complete. Reduce by half if WBC count is >50,000/mm³.

Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue