Ryzneuta vs. Neulasta for Chemotherapy Side Effects and Neutropenia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Ryzneuta

(efbemalenograstim alfa)

Neulasta

(pegfilgrastim)

Summary for Ryzneuta

Prescription only

Ryzneuta (efbemalenograstim alfa) is an injectable medication used to lower the risk of infection in adults with certain cancers who are getting chemotherapy that can cause low white blood cells. It's a long-acting growth factor that helps the body make more neutrophils, a type of white blood cell important for fighting infections. A healthcare professional will give it as a shot under the skin once during each chemotherapy cycle. Side effects include nausea, low red blood cells, and low platelet count.

Indications for Ryzneuta

Reduce the risk of infection in adults with certain cancers who are getting chemotherapy that can cause low white blood cells

Pros and Cons for Ryzneuta

Pros

Only needs to be given once per chemotherapy cycle
Lowers the chance of serious infections due to chemotherapy
No significant interactions with other medications or supplements

Cons

Not known if it's safe and effective in children
Commonly causes nausea as a side effect
Risk of serious complications like spleen rupture or breathing problems

Common Side Effects for Ryzneuta

Nausea (51%)
Low red blood cell count (15%)
Low platelet count (12%)

Warnings for Ryzneuta

Spleen rupture
Breathing problems
Serious allergic reactions
Sickle cell crisis in people with sickle cell disease
Kidney injury
Blood cell changes
Capillary leak syndrome
Cancer risk
Inflammation of the aorta

Summary for Neulasta

Prescription only

Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) is an injectable medication that can lower your risk of infection when you have low white blood cells. It's usually used for people who've taken bone marrow-suppressing anticancer medications or have had exposure to radiation. It's similar to Neupogen (filgrastim), but lasts longer. There are many biosimilars to Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) available on the market, but they can't be switched without a new prescription.

Indications for Neulasta

Infection prevention in people with certain cancers receiving anticancer medications that can cause low white blood cells (or febrile neutropenia)
Increase survival in people exposed to bone marrow-suppressing radiation (Neulasta only)

Pros and Cons for Neulasta

Pros

Long-lasting and only needs to be given once per chemotherapy cycle
On-body injector (OBI) available for Neulasta that can help with administration after your chemotherapy treatment
Available as a prefilled syringe for easier use
No dose adjustments needed for people with kidney or liver problems

Cons

Can cause bone pain
Requires frequent blood work so your provider can make sure it's working and safe for you
Not FDA approved for as many uses as filgrastim medications
Brand only, so it can be expensive