A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Nyvepria (pegfilgrastim-apgf) is a biosimilar to Neulasta (pegfilgrastim), an innovative medication designed to help reduce the risk of infection in cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy that suppresses the immune system. Nyvepria is specifically used to stimulate the growth of white blood cells, aiding the body in fighting off potential infections during periods of immune system vulnerability.
This medication is a long-acting form of the human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) analog. It is engineered through recombinant DNA technology and consists of a covalently bound polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecule to the N-terminal methionyl residue of filgrastim. The addition of PEG prolongs the duration of its effect in the body, typically making it a once-per-cycle treatment. Before you buy Nyvepria, it is crucial that you talk to your healthcare provider about potential side effects and Nyvepria price.
Fact Table: Nyvepria (Pegfilgrastim) | |
---|---|
Formula | C845H1343N223O243S9 |
License | FDA approved |
Bioavailability | 100% (Subcutaneous) |
Legal status | Prescription Only |
Chemical Name | Pegfilgrastim |
Elimination half-life | 15 to 80 hours |
Dosage (Strength) | 6 mg/0.6 mL |
Pregnancy | Consult a doctor; potential risks |
Brands | Nyvepria |
Protein binding | Not applicable (biological agent) |
PubChem CID | 16134936 |
MedlinePlus | a604002 |
ChEBI | 91457 |
ATC code | L03AA13 |
DrugBank | DB00019 |
KEGG | D06409 |
Routes of administration | Subcutaneous |
Nyvepria is administered through a subcutaneous injection. It is typically given once per chemotherapy cycle, no less than 24 hours before or after receiving chemotherapy. Patients should be trained by a healthcare professional on how to properly administer Nyvepria before attempting self-injection.
Nyvepria uses pegfilgrastim-apgf as its active ingredient.
Before using Nyvepria, discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider, especially if you have:
Patients should be monitored for splenic enlargement and respiratory symptoms, both of which are rare but serious side effects of pegfilgrastim products. If you experience left upper abdominal or shoulder tip pain, or difficulty breathing, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Currently, there are no known severe interactions with other medications; however, this does not mean no interactions exist. It is crucial to inform your healthcare providers about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
The use of Nyvepria may lead to various side effects, although not all patients will experience them. Common side effects include:
What is Nyvepria used for?
Nyvepria is used to decrease the incidence of infection, as manifested by febrile neutropenia, in patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy drugs associated with a clinically significant incidence of febrile neutropenia. Nyvepria is a long-acting form of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) that helps stimulate the production of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell important in fighting infections.
Is Nyvepria chemotherapy or immunotherapy?
Nyvepria is neither chemotherapy nor immunotherapy. It is a supportive care medication used to mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy, specifically by reducing the risk of infection due to low white blood cell counts (neutropenia).
How is Nyvepria administered?
Nyvepria is administered as a subcutaneous injection. It is typically given once per chemotherapy cycle, at least 24 hours after the chemotherapy session.
How to inject Nyvepria?
To inject Nyvepria, follow these steps:
Is Nyvepria a biosimilar?
Yes, Nyvepria is a biosimilar to Neulasta (pegfilgrastim). Biosimilars are biologic medical products highly similar to an already approved biological product, with no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety, purity, and potency.
How quickly does pegfilgrastim work?
Pegfilgrastim (the active ingredient in Nyvepria) generally begins to work within a few hours after administration. Its peak effect on neutrophil counts is typically observed within 24 to 72 hours after injection.
What are the side effects of pegfilgrastim?
Common side effects of pegfilgrastim include:
Less common but more serious side effects can include:
How long do pegfilgrastim side effects last?
The duration of pegfilgrastim side effects can vary. Mild side effects such as bone pain and headaches typically last for a few days after injection. More severe side effects should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately and may require medical attention.
Why does pegfilgrastim cause bone pain?
Pegfilgrastim can cause bone pain because it stimulates the bone marrow to produce more white blood cells, which can lead to increased pressure within the bone marrow and result in pain. This pain is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
What are the advantages of pegfilgrastim?
The advantages of pegfilgrastim include: