Biological Response Modifiers

Question 1

Epoetin alpha
(Epogen)

Injection, IV

Answer 1

CNS: dizziness, headache
CV: edema, HTN, myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attacks, and cerebrovascular accident.
GI: N/V/D
Metabolic: hyperglycemia, hypokalemia
Musculoskeletal: arthralgia, myalgia, bone pain.
Respiratory: shortness of breath.
Skin: Injection-site reactions, rash.
Other: seizure

Question 2

Filgrastim (Neupogen)

Injection

Answer 2

• Increase production of neutrophils, and enhances their phagocytosis.
• Decrease incidence of infection in patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapeutic agents

CNS: fever, headache, fatigue, dizziness, and insomnia
CV: MI, arrhythmias, chest pain.
GI: N/V/D, constipation
Hematologic: thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia, hematuria.
Musculoskeletal: bone pain, muscle spasms.
Respiratory: dyspnea, cough.
Skin: rash
Other: splenomegaly, psoriasis.

Question 3

oprelvekin (Neumega)

Answer 3

-stimulate production of platelets

-CNS: headache, fatigue, dizziness.
CV: dysrhythmias, stroke
GU: Fluid retention, papilledema
Respiratory: Pulmonary edema, pleural effusion.
Skin: rash
Other: febrile neutropenia