Comparing efficacy and side effects of Pd grastim and neupogen for prevention of neutropenia after chemotherapy in children

ABSTRACT

G-CSF is one of the new medications that may reduce duration and severity of neutropenia after chemotherapy. Two forms of G-CSF are now available in Iran Neupogen [original form], and new production of Iran named Pd-Grastin. We decided to compare the efficacy and side effects of these two forms of the drug. Absolute Neutrophil count [ANC], total WBC, platelet count [on the 15th day of chemotherapy], and event of fever and neutropenia in this period, were measured after 60 courses of chemotherapy and 4 days of G-CSF, in two separate but the same patients groups, Pd-Grastim [group 1] and Neupogen [group 2]. Mean values of WBC count, ANC, and platelet count were similar [P.V.>0.05]. No significant difference was observed for episodes of neutropenia [ANC <500], event of fever and neutropenia, and days of hospitalization between these groups. Effectiveness and also side effects of Pd-Grastin and Neupogen were similar. Lower cost of Pd-Grastim was the only significant difference between these two forms of G-CSF. Pd-Grastim may be preferred to Neupogen in Iran, because of the same effectiveness but lower cost