ADAP drugs: sargamostrim

sargramostim
(Leukine, Prokine, GM-CSF)

Drug description

Sargramostim is used to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas and acute leukemia. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL) are a category of cancers that have become increasingly common in people with AIDS. As treatment improves, HIV+ people are living longer with severe immune suppression. Because of this, NHL is becoming more common. In NHL, the majority of lymphomas are due to uncontrolled growth of B-lymphocytes. Sargramostim is also used for people who have had bone marrow transplants whose effectiveness has been delayed or failed. Sargramostim is a growth factor that principally stimulates production of cells in the bone marrow, and is used to treat depression of bone marrow function due to HIV infection or drugs.

Side effects
Possible side effects include headaches, fevers and flushing. In using sargramostim to treat people with HIV infection, there is concern that sargramostim may help spread HIV further throughout the body. Sargramostim stimulates macrophages, a crucial part of the immune system, and macrophages may be infected with HIV.

Dosage
Sargramostim is given by IV injection over 2 hours.

How long it may take to work
Sargramostim treatment for individuals who have had bone marrow transplants is for 14 days and then discontinued for 7 days. If after this 7 day period, the graft has still not taken, a second 14 day course of treatment may be given. Dose may be increased for a third course of treatment, but if no improvement is seen after the third course of sargramostim therapy, alternative treatment will be necessary.

Managing side effects
If malignancy progression is observed during treatment, the drug should be discontinued. If severe adverse reaction occurs, dosage of the drug should be reduced or temporarily discontinued.

This information is specific to the use of this medication for HIV-related conditions. For additional information about this drug for other conditions, refer to: www.nursespdr.com/ and www.healthanswers.com/Library/library_fset.asp

The drug descriptions on these pages are intended for informational purposes only. The Network does not promote or endorse the use of any specific treatment for any health-related condition. The medications described here can only be dispensed by a licensed health care professional. The information may have changed since these pages were updated, though every effort is made to keep these pages current. Please contact The Network at (800) 734-7104 to make sure you have the most up-to-date information

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