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Chemotherapy affects more than just cancer cells
Chemotherapy is an important part of fighting cancer, but it can also affect more than just cancer cells. It can lower your white blood cell count, making it harder for your body to fight infection. That’s why your healthcare team may
recommend UDENYCA to help support your immune system while you stay on track with chemotherapy.
White blood cells are a
vital part of your
immune system and help
your body fight infection
UDENYCA boosts the growth
of your white blood cells,
which may help prevent
febrile neutropenia
What is febrile neutropenia?
When chemotherapy lowers your white blood cell count, you may be at risk for a serious condition called febrile neutropenia.
- Febrile means fever
- Neutropenia means low levels of a type of white blood cell called neutrophils
Together, febrile neutropenia means having both fever and a low white blood cell count—a sign that your body may not be able to fight infection. This can lead to delays in chemotherapy or hospital visits.
How do you know if you have an infection?
A fever is a sign of an infection and a medical emergency
- If you experience a fever of 100.4 °F (38.0 °C) or higher, call your healthcare team immediately or go to the hospital
- Take your temperature any time you don’t feel well or as recommended by your healthcare team
Other signs of infection may include
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Stiff neck
- Burning or pain with urination
Preventing febrile neutropenia is a critical part of your care plan
What is UDENYCA?
UDENYCA is a type of biologic treatment called a biosimilar. Biologics are a type of medicine made from living cells. A biosimilar is a product made to be highly similar to another biologic and is as safe and effective as the original biologic.
UDENYCA helps your body make more white blood cells, supporting your immune system and helping prevent febrile neutropenia during chemotherapy.
How is UDENYCA given?
UDENYCA is usually given the day after chemotherapy and prescribed with every chemotherapy cycle:
- For example, if you have 6 cycles of chemotherapy, you may receive 6 doses of UDENYCA
- Your healthcare team will determine your treatment schedule. If you miss a dose, talk to your healthcare team about next steps
Are there any side effects when taking UDENYCA?
Most common side effects include pain in the bones, arms, and legs
- These are not all of the possible side effects of UDENYCA
- Be sure to review the Patient Information for more side effect information and contact your healthcare team for medical advice about side effects or concerns you may have about your treatment
- Together, you and your healthcare team can decide on the best way to manage side effects so you can stay on track with your treatment
