Neutropenia and Infection

Many chemotherapy drugs cause a lowering of infection-fighting white blood cells in your body—a condition known as neutropenia. This serious condition can increase your risk of developing an infection and affect your chemotherapy schedule. A simple blood test, called a complete blood count (CBC), detects neutropenia.

Fortunately, neutropenia is easily prevented or reduced. If needed, your doctor will prescribe Neulasta^® (pegfilgrastim) or Neupogen^® (filgrastim), the short-acting form of Neulasta. These medications help your body produce more white blood cells and prevent the complications of neutropenia.

You may be at greater risk of developing an infection if you have previously received chemotherapy or radiation treatment, you’re receiving intensive chemotherapy, you’re 62 or older, or you have open wounds or other conditions that affect your immune system. In those cases, Neulasta is given with the first cycle of chemotherapy and then with each remaining chemotherapy dose. This can reduce the risk of infection (neutropenia with fever) by more than 90 percent.

Contact your doctor or nurse immediately if you have any sign of fever or infection while on chemotherapy.

Tips for Managing Neutropenia and Infection

• Check your temperature once daily or as recommended by your physician. Call your doctor or nurse if you have symptoms of an infection, including:
  • Fever of 100.5° F or higher
  • Shaking or chills
  • Sweating
  • Coughing or shortness of breath
  • Burning or stinging pain with urination
  • Diarrhea with fever
  • Unusual vaginal discharge or itching
  • Redness, swelling, pus, or pain surrounding a cut or wound on your skin
• Avoid crowds. Stay away from people who are sick with colds, flu, or other infections.
• Wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
• Prevent infection around your rectum by cleaning the area gently after each bowel movement. Eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water to prevent constipation, which can irritate your rectum.
• Take a warm bath or shower daily. Pat your skin dry.
• Make sure all foods are washed. Avoid raw vegetables and fruits.
• Eggs, fish, and meat should be cooked until well done.
• Do not cut or tear your nail cuticles.
• Clean any cuts with soap and water right away and apply an antibiotic ointment.