Filgrastim (Zarzio®) is recommended as an option for use within NHS Wales for the treatment of neutropenia:

• For the reduction in the duration of neutropenia and the incidence of febrile neutropenia in patients treated with established cytotoxic chemotherapy for malignancy (with the exception of chronic myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndromes) and reduction in the duration of neutropenia in patients undergoing myeloablative therapy followed by bone marrow transplantation considered to be at increased risk of prolonged severe neutropenia.
• For the mobilisation of peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC).
• In children and adults with severe congenital, cyclic, or idiopathic neutropenia with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of ≤ 0.5 x 10⁹/l, and a history of severe or recurrent infections, long term administration of filgrastim is indicated to increase neutrophil counts and to reduce the incidence and duration of infection-related events.
• For the treatment of persistent neutropenia (ANC ≤ 1.0 x 10⁹/l) in patients with advanced HIV infection, in order to reduce the risk of bacterial infections when other therapeutic options are inappropriate.

Filgrastim (Zarzio®) is not suitable for shared care within NHS Wales for the above indications. Filgrastim (Zarzio®) should be prescribed by brand name to avoid automatic substitution and therefore help with pharmacovigilance.