Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name: Pegfilgrastim Injection
• Technical/Medical Term: Injection, pegfilgrastim, 6 mg (HCPCS Code: J2505)

Summary

Pegfilgrastim injection is a medical procedure where a single dose of pegfilgrastim, a medication that stimulates the production of white blood cells, is administered via injection. This helps to reduce the risk of infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions Addressed: Neutropenia (low white blood cell count) due to chemotherapy.
• Goals/Expected Outcomes: To reduce the risk of infection by increasing white blood cell counts, thus enabling patients to continue their chemotherapy on schedule.

Indications

• Specific Symptoms/Conditions: Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy that is known to cause significant reductions in white blood cell counts.
• Patient Criteria: Patients must be undergoing a chemotherapy regimen that is associated with a high risk of neutropenia.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: No specific fasting required. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any current medications and their medical history, particularly any history of allergic reactions to medications.
• Diagnostic Tests: A blood test may be required to assess baseline white blood cell counts.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is seated or lying down.
2. The injection site, typically the upper arm or abdomen, is cleaned with an antiseptic.
3. A healthcare professional administers the pegfilgrastim injection subcutaneously using a syringe.
4. The needle is removed, and gentle pressure is applied to the site to prevent bleeding.

• Tools/Equipment: Syringe and needle, antiseptic swab, bandage.
• Anesthesia/Sedation: Not applicable; the procedure is typically brief and involves minimal discomfort.

Duration

The injection procedure usually takes less than 10 minutes.

Setting

• Pegfilgrastim injection is typically administered in an outpatient clinic, a hospital, or an oncology center.

Personnel

• The procedure is performed by a registered nurse or another trained healthcare professional.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Injection site reactions (e.g., redness, swelling, and pain), bone pain.
• Rare Risks: Splenic rupture, serious allergic reactions, respiratory distress. These risks are managed by close monitoring and prompt medical intervention if needed.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Increased white blood cell counts, reduced risk of infection.
• Realization Time: Benefits are typically observed within a few days to a week after the injection.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: Patients may resume normal activities immediately; however, they should monitor the injection site for any adverse reactions.
• Recovery Time: No downtime required; recovery is immediate.
• Restrictions/Follow-Up: Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor white blood cell counts and overall health status.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options: Alternative medications like filgrastim (requires more frequent dosing), prophylactic antibiotics.
• Pros and Cons: Pegfilgrastim requires only a single injection per chemotherapy cycle, whereas filgrastim requires daily injections. Antibiotics can help manage infections but do not prevent the drop in white blood cells.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: Mild discomfort or pain at the injection site.
• After the Procedure: Possible mild and temporary side effects such as bone pain or mild reactions at the injection site. Pain management might include over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by the healthcare provider.

Patients are encouraged to communicate any concerns or unexpected symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly to ensure timely management and care.