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Overview: Leukine increases the amount of certain white blood cells by stimulating the bone marrow to make more of them, which decreases the risk of infection and improves survival. Leukine can also be used to increase the amount of stem cells before a stem cell transplant. Common side effects vary depending on the condition being treated but can include fever, stomach upset, skin reactions, and mouth sores. Call your health care provider right away if you have trouble breathing, dizziness, changes in heart rate or rhythm, chest pain, swollen body parts, or weight gain.

Uses

What is Leukine used for?

Leukine (sargramostim) is commonly used for the following purposes.

  • To shorten the duration of neutropenia and decrease the risk of infection in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) receiving chemotherapy
  • To increase the amount of stem cells available for collection before a stem cell transplant
  • To speed up the recovery of white blood cells following a bone marrow transplant or stem cell transplant
  • To treat delayed neutrophil recovery or graft failure following a bone marrow transplant
  • To increase survival in people exposed to enough radiation to cause bone marrow suppression, also known as myelosuppression

Leukine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Leukine work (mechanism of action)?

Leukine increases the amount of certain white blood cells in the body by stimulating the bone marrow to make more of them. White blood cells help fight infection in the body.

How is Leukine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Leukine

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 250 mcg single-dose vial

Leukine is available in an injectable form that is usually given by a health care provider.

How should I store Leukine?

Leukine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. If you will store Leukine at home, follow the instructions given by your health care provider.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Leukine?

The most common side effects of Leukine are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Fever
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Hair loss
  • General feeling of being unwell, tired, or not having your usual energy
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Rash and skin reactions
  • Stomach and intestine problems
  • Fluid retention (see below)
  • Mouth sores
  • High blood sugar
  • Abnormal amounts of salts and other minerals in the blood
  • Headache
  • High blood pressure
  • Liver problems
  • Infections
  • Kidney or bladder problems
  • Lung problems
  • Nervous system problems

There may be other side effects of Leukine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Leukine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Leukine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Leukine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Leukine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infusion Reactions. Leukine can cause reactions that can be serious during the infusion or soon after the infusion. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped if you have these reactions. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms when you get your infusion. 

  • Trouble breathing
  • Skin flushing
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

Fluid Retention (Edema). Leukine can cause fluid retention, also called edema. Fluid retention can cause serious issues in people with certain conditions, such as heart failure or kidney problems. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Chest pain
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stretched or shiny skin
  • Swollen body parts, such as the belly or ankles

Capillary Leak Syndrome (CLS). Leukine may cause capillary leak syndrome (CLS), where protein and fluid leak out of your blood vessels into your body tissues. CLS can be serious or life-threatening. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of CLS.

  • Low blood pressure
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing
  • Fluid retention
  • Weight gain
  • Shortness of breath

Heart Rhythm Changes. Leukine may cause heart rhythm problems that can lead to an irregular heartbeat and fainting. In rare cases, this may cause the heart to suddenly stop beating (cardiac arrest). Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who already have heart rhythm problems. Get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of heart rhythm changes.

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting
  • Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding, or skipping heartbeat

High White Blood Cells (Leukocytosis). Leukine can cause the number of white blood cells in your body to be higher than normal, which is called leukocytosis. Your health care provider will check your white blood cells while you are using Leukine. 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Leukine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Leukine.

  • Leukine
  • Sargramostim
  • Products that are made from yeast
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Leukine.

What should I know about Leukine before using it?

Leukine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. 

Leukine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Leukine affects you.

If you will be receiving Leukine at home, make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Leukine. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

If you are using Leukine because you are getting chemotherapy or radiation therapy, use Leukine at least 24 hours before or 24 hours after chemotherapy and at least 24 hours before radiation therapy.

You will need to have your blood tests checked while using Leukine. Keep all appointments to have your labs checked.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Leukine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Leukine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart problems
  • Lung problems
  • Allergy to benzyl alcohol

Other Medicines and Supplements. Leukine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Leukine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Leukine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Leukine passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Leukine and for at least two weeks after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Leukine?

For more information about Leukine, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.partnertx.com or call them at 888-479-5385 .

Interactions

Does Leukine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Leukine and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between Leukine and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection and cancer.

Does Leukine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Leukine.

  • Lithium (Lithobid), which is used to treat mood disorders
  • A corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Leukine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Leukine?

If you or someone else has used too much Leukine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Leukine?

If you miss a dose, talk to your health care provider about when you should give your next dose.