Leukocyte Growth FactorPrescription OnlyPregnancy Cat. Not classifiedFDA Yes
Leukine
SARGRAMOSTIM
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE LEUKINE is a leukocyte growth factor indicated: To shorten time to neutrophil recovery and to reduce the incidence of severe and life-threatening infections and infections resulting in death following induction chemotherapy in adult patients 55 years and older with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). ( 1.1 ) For the mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells into peripheral blood for collection by leukapheresis and autologous transplantation in adult patients. ( 1.2 ) For t...
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Brand names:Leukine
Quick Reference
Medicine ClassLeukocyte Growth Factor
FDA ApprovedYes
PregnancyCategory Not classified
Quick Facts
- Active ingredient
- SARGRAMOSTIM
- Medicine class
- Leukocyte Growth Factor
- Brand names
- Leukine
- Availability
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Pregnancy category
- Not classified
- Half-life
- half-life of 1
- FDA approved
- Yes
What Is Leukine?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE LEUKINE is a leukocyte growth factor indicated: To shorten time to neutrophil recovery and to reduce the incidence of severe and life-threatening infections and infections resulting in death following induction chemotherapy in adult patients 55 years and older with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). ( 1.1 ) For the mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells into peripheral blood for collection by leukapheresis and autologous transplantation in adult patients. ( 1.2 ) For t...
Leukine (SARGRAMOSTIM) belongs to the Leukocyte Growth Factor class of medications. It was first approved by the FDA in Yes. This medication requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Key Safety Information
- •Always follow the dose recommended by your healthcare professional. Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of side effects including serious complications.
- •Seek emergency care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction — hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash. Stop the medication and call your doctor immediately.
- •Some medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, or any pre-existing health condition.
- •Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Leukine. Do not drink alcohol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider as it may increase adverse effects.
- •Take Leukine with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Stop use and talk to your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or GI symptoms.
- •Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some combinations significantly increase the risk of harm.
This is a summary only. Always read the full prescribing information and consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Uses & Indications
Leukine is prescribed for the following conditions. Some uses are FDA-approved indications; others may be evidence-based off-label uses. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE LEUKINE is a leukocyte growth factor indicated: To shorten time to neutrophil recovery and to reduce the incidence of severe and life-threatening infections and infections resulting in death following induction chemotherapy in adult patients 55 years and older with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
( 1.1 ) For the mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells into peripheral blood for collection by leukapheresis and autologous transplantation in adult patients.
( 1.2 ) For the acceleration of myeloid reconstitution following autologous bone marrow or peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older.
( 1.3 ) For the acceleration of myeloid reconstitution following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older.
( 1.4 ) For treatment of delayed neutrophil recovery or graft failure after autologous or allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older.
( 1.5 ) To increase survival in adult and pediatric patients from birth to 17 years of age acutely exposed to myelosuppressive doses of radiation (Hematopoietic Syndrome of Acute Radiation Syndrome [H-ARS]).
( 1.6 ) 1.1 Acute Myeloid Leukemia Following Induction Chemotherapy LEUKINE is indicated to shorten time to neutrophil recovery and to reduce the incidence of severe, life-threatening, or fatal infections following induction chemotherapy in adult patients 55 years and older with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
1.2 Autologous Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cell Mobilization and Collection LEUKINE is indicated in adult patients with cancer undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for the mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells into peripheral blood for collection by leukapheresis.
Dosage Guide
The following are general dosing guidelines only. Your actual dose should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition, renal/hepatic function, and other medications.
AD
Adult Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION See Full Prescribing Information for dosage adjustments and timing of administration ( 2.1 - 2.6 ). AML, Neutrophil recovery following chemotherapy: 250 mcg/m 2 /day administered intravenously over a 4-hour period. ( 2.1 ) Mobilization of peripheral blood progenitor cells: 250 mcg/m 2 /day administered intravenously over 24 hours or subcutaneous injection once daily. ( 2.2 ) Post peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation: 250 mcg/m 2 /day administered intravenously over 24 hours or subcutaneous injection once daily. ( 2.3 ) Myeloid reconstitution after autologous or allogeneic BMT: 250 mcg/m 2 /day administered intravenously over a 2-hour period. ( 2.4 ) BMT failure or engraftment delayed: 250 mcg/m 2 /day for 14 days as a 2-hour intravenous infusion. ( 2.5 ) Patients acutely exposed to myelosuppressive doses of radiation, administer once daily as subcutaneous injection: Adults and pediatric patients weighing >40 kg: 7 mcg/kg Pediatric patients 15 kg
Available Forms
Available Strengths
Side Effects
Common
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Infusion Related Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Risk of Severe Myelosuppression when LEUKINE Administered within 24 Hours of Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Effusions and Capillary Leak Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Supraventricular Arrhythmias [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Leukocytosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Potential Effect on Malignant Cells [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Immunogenicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions in Infants Due to Benzyl Alcohol Preservative [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] The most common adverse reactions (incidence >30%) were ( 6.1 ): In recipients of autologous BMT: fever, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, mucous membrane disorder, alopecia, asthenia, malaise, anorexia, rash, gastrointestinal disorder and edema.
- In recipients of allogeneic BMT: diarrhea, fever, nausea, rash, vomiting, stomatitis, anorexia, high glucose, alopecia, abdominal pain, low albumin, headache and hypertension.
- In patients with AML: fever, liver toxicity, skin reactions, infections, metabolic laboratory abnormalities, nausea, diarrhea, genitourinary abnormalities, pulmonary toxicity, vomiting, neurotoxicity, stomatitis, alopecia and weight loss.
- To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Partner Therapeutics, Inc., at 1-888-4RX-LEUKINE or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
- 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.
- Autologous Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cell (PBPC) and Bone Marrow Transplantation Studies 301, 302 and 303 enrolled a total of 156 patients after autologous or allogeneic marrow or PBPC transplantation.
- In these placebo-controlled studies, pediatric and adult patients received once-daily intravenous infusions of LEUKINE 250 mcg/m 2 or placebo for 21 days.
Serious
- 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity Reactions: Permanently discontinue LEUKINE in patients with serious allergic reactions.
- ( 5.1 ) Infusion Related Reactions: Manage using infusion rate reductions or discontinuations.
- ( 5.2 ) Effusions and Capillary Leak Syndrome: Manage with dose-reduction, discontinuation, or diuretics.
- Monitor body weight and hydration status during therapy.
- ( 5.4 ) Supraventricular Arrhythmias: Risk may be increased in patients with history of cardiac arrhythmias.
Rare
Medicine Interactions
Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about ALL medications you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
MajorModerateMinor
Warnings & Contraindications
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity Reactions: Permanently discontinue LEUKINE in patients with serious allergic reactions. ( 5.1 ) Infusion Related Reactions: Manage using infusion rate reductions or discontinuations. ( 5.2 ) Effusions and Capillary Leak Syndrome: Manage with dose-reduction, discontinuation, or diuretics. Monitor body weight and hydration status during therapy. ( 5.4 ) Su
How Leukine Works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Sargramostim (GM-CSF) belongs to a group of growth factors termed colony-stimulating factors which support survival, clonal expansion, and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells. GM-CSF induces partially committed progenitor cells to divide and differentiate in the granulocyte-macrophage pathways which include neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages and myeloid-derived dendritic cells. GM-CSF is also capable of activating mature granulocytes and macrophages. GM-CSF is a multilineage factor and, in addition to dose-dependent effects on the myelomonocytic lineage, can promote the proliferation of megakaryocytic and erythroid progenitors. However, other factors are required to induce complete maturation in these two lineages. The various cellular responses (i.e.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Absorption After SC administration GM-CSF was detected in the serum early (15 min) and reached maximum serum concentrations between 2
Half-Life
half-life of 1
Metabolism
metabolism studies were not conducted, because LEUKINE is a protein and is expected to degrade to small peptides and individual amino acids
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
Not classified
Breastfeeding
Many medications pass into breast milk in varying amounts. Before using Leukinewhile breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider or pharmacist — they can weigh your dose, your infant's age, and available lactation safety data to find the safest option for you and your baby.
Storage & Handling
Store at room temperature. Keep away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Leukine side effects
Complete adverse effect profile including common, serious, and rare reactions
Sources & References
- • FDA Prescribing Information — Official labeling and package insert for Leukine
- • U.S. National Library of Medicine — MedlinePlus drug information
- • American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) — Clinical pharmacology monograph
- • PubMed / MEDLINE — View clinical studies
Last reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board · MedCentralHub Editorial Policy
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.