Resources for patients & caregivers
This section provides general educational information to help patients and caregivers understand how Stimufend is administered, what to expect during treatment, and patient support programs available to them. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice.
Get to know Stimufend (pegfilgrastim-fpgk)
What is Stimufend?
Stimufend is a man-made form of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). G-CSF is a substance produced by the body. Stimufend is a biosimilar of the original product, Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim).
How does Stimufend work?
Stimufend stimulates the growth of neutrophils, a type of white blood cells important in the body’s fight against infection. Stimufend is administered once every chemotherapy cycle to help prevent infection as indicated by febrile neutropenia. Stimufend is not a chemotherapy drug.
How is Stimufend administered?
You will receive Stimufend at least 24 hours after your chemotherapy treatment.
- Stimufend needs to be injected only once during each chemotherapy cycle
- Stimufend is administered as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection) by your healthcare provider
Ask your healthcare provider about being able to administer Stimufend at home, by yourself, or with the help of your caregiver.
At home, store Stimufend in its original carton in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Take Stimufend out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before use and allow it to reach room temperature before preparing an injection.
Do not try to inject Stimufend unless you or your caregiver has received training from your healthcare provider.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
If you have a fever of 100.4°F or higher, call your healthcare provider or 911 immediately. Having a fever could be a sign of febrile neutropenia (fever with low white blood cell count). In addition, let your healthcare provider know about any new skin rashes or if you have bleeding that does not stop.
Look out for other signs of infections
- Sore throat
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat
- Pus or yellowish discharge
- Abdominal (belly) pain
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Sores or white patches in the mouth
While this information is intended as a guide, always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
What is a biosimilar?
See related section: What is a biosimilar page
Financial support
Copay assistance program for Stimufend
KabiCare™ provides additional support programs to eligible* patients. If you have commercial or private insurance, you may be eligible* for the copay assistance program that lowers your out-of-pocket costs to as little as $0/month for Stimufend, with an annual maximum.
*Eligibility criteria apply. Patients are not eligible for commercial copay assistance if the prescription is eligible to be reimbursed, in whole or in part, by any state or federal healthcare program
To enroll in the copay assistance program, call 1.833.KABICARE (1.833.522.4227) or visit the KabiCare Copay program.