WHY ZARXIO?

ZARXIO reduces the risk of infection1

Why was ZARXIO prescribed for me?

Some cancer treatments decrease white blood cell counts (which may result in a condition called neutropenia), increasing the risk of infection. ZARXIO is a prescription medication used to reduce the risk of infection in patients with some tumors who are receiving strong chemotherapy that may cause severe neutropenia with fever.1,2

Learn About ZARXIO Patient Brochure

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Learn About ZARXIO Patient Brochure (Spanish)

Spanish translated version of the Learn About ZARXIO Patient Brochure.

Patient brochure

Spanish translated version of the Learn About ZARXIO Patient Brochure.

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What is a biosimilar?

A biosimilar is a medication that has been approved by the FDA as being “highly similar” to a previously approved biologic medication. Biosimilars may be available at a lower cost than the referenced biologic medication. ZARXIO is the first biosimilar approved in the US.3-5

References: 1. ZARXIO Prescribing Information. Sandoz Inc. April 2018. 2. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Cancer.net. Neutropenia. http://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/side-effects/neutropenia. Accessed May 3, 2017. 3. US Food and Drug Administration. Information for consumers (biosimilars). http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/
HowDrugsareDevelopedandApproved/ApprovalApplications/TherapeuticBiologicApplications/Biosimilars/ucm241718.htm. Accessed May 3, 2017. 4. US Food and Drug Administration. Fact sheet: new "biosimilars" user fees will enhance Americans' access to alternatives to biologic drugs. http://www.fda.gov/RegulatoryInformation/Legislation/SignificantAmendmentstotheFDCAct/FDASIA/ucm311121.htm. Accessed May 3, 2017. 5. FDA approves first biosimilar product Zarxio [press release]. US Food and Drug Administration; March 6, 2015. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm436648.htm. Accessed May 3, 2017.

ZARXIO is a registered trademark of Novartis AG.

INDICATION

What is ZARXIO?

ZARXIO is a man-made form of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF). G-CSF is a substance produced by the body. It stimulates the growth of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell important in the body’s fight against infection.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not take ZARXIO if you have had a serious allergic reaction to human G-CSFs such as filgrastim or pegfilgrastim products.

Before you take ZARXIO, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have a sickle cell disorder.
  • have a problem with your kidneys, as you may need more frequent urine tests.
  • are receiving radiation therapy.
  • are allergic to latex. The needle cap on the prefilled syringe contains natural rubber (derived from latex). Do not handle the prefilled syringe if you are allergic to latex.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ZARXIO will harm your unborn baby.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ZARXIO passes into your breast milk.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the possible side effects of ZARXIO? ZARXIO may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Spleen rupture. Your spleen may become enlarged and can rupture. A ruptured spleen can cause death. Call your doctor right away if you have pain in the left upper stomach (abdomen) area or your left shoulder.
  • A serious lung problem called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Call your doctor or get emergency medical help right away if you have shortness of breath with or without a fever, trouble breathing, or a fast rate of breathing.
  • Serious allergic reactions. ZARXIO can cause serious allergic reactions. These reactions can cause a rash over your whole body, shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, swelling around your mouth or eyes, fast heart rate, and sweating. If you have any of these symptoms, stop using ZARXIO, and call your doctor or get emergency help right away.
  • Sickle cell crises. You may have a serious sickle cell crisis if you have a sickle cell disorder and take ZARXIO. Serious sickle cell crisis has happened in people with sickle cell disorders receiving filgrastim that has sometimes led to death. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of sickle cell crisis such as pain or difficulty breathing.
  • Kidney injury (glomerulonephritis). Kidney injury has been seen in patients who received filgrastim products. Call your doctor right away if you experience puffiness in your face or ankles, blood in your urine or brown-colored urine or you notice you urinate less than usual.
  • Capillary leak syndrome. ZARXIO can cause fluid to leak from blood vessels into your body’s tissues. This condition is called “Capillary Leak Syndrome” (CLS). CLS can quickly cause you to have symptoms that may become life-threatening. Get emergency medical help right away if you develop any of the following symptoms:
    • swelling or puffiness and are urinating less often.
    • trouble breathing.
    • swelling of your stomach-area (abdomen) and feeling of fullness.
    • dizziness or feeling faint.
    • a general feeling of tiredness.
  • Decreased platelet count (thrombocytopenia). Your doctor will check your blood during treatment with ZARXIO. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bleeding or bruising while taking ZARXIO. This could mean a decrease of platelets, which reduces the ability of blood to clot.
  • Increased white blood cell count (leukocytosis). Your doctor will check your blood during treatment with ZARXIO.
  • Inflammation of your blood vessels (cutaneous vasculitis). Tell your doctor if you develop purple spots or redness of your skin.

The most common side effects of ZARXIO include aching in the bones and muscles.

These are not all the possible side effects of ZARXIO. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see full Prescribing Information for ZARXIO.

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ZARXIO is a registered trademark of Novartis AG.

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