2. What should I know before I use Lonquex?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Lonquex or any of the ingredients
listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines,
or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with Lonquex and affect how it works.
4. How do I use Lonquex?
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.
5. What should I know while using Lonquex?
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Things you should do
|
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Lonquex.
Keep all of your doctor’s appointments so that your progress can be checked
|
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Things you should not do
|
Do not take Lonquex to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
|
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Driving or using machines
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Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Lonquex affects you.
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Looking after your medicine
|
Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze.
Lonquex may be removed from the refrigerator and stored below 25°C for a maximum single
period of up to 7 days. Once removed from the refrigerator, the medicine must be used
within this period or disposed of.
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6. Are there any side effects?
Common side effects: Reduction in blood platelets, headache, skin reactions, low blood
levels of potassium and chest pain.
Serious side effects: Allergic reactions such as skin rash, raised itchy areas of
skin and serious allergic reactions with weakness, increased spleen size , cough,
fever and difficult or painful breathing , serious pulmonary side effects, such as
pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Active ingredient(s):
lipegfilgrastim
Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using Lonquex. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information
or if you have any concerns or questions about using Lonquex.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using Lonquex?
Lonquex contains the active ingredient lipegfilgrastim. Lipegfilgrastim is a long-acting modified protein produced by biotechnology in bacteria
called Escherichia coli. It belongs to a group of proteins called cytokines and is
similar to a natural protein (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor [G-CSF]) produced
by your own body.
Lonquex stimulates the bone narrow (the tissue where new blood cells are made) to
produce more white blood cells. White blood cells are important as they help your
body fight infection. These cells are very sensitive to the effects of chemotherapy
which can cause the number of these cells in your body to decrease. If white blood
cells fall to a low level, there may not be enough left in the body to fight bacteria
and you may have an increased risk of infection.
Lonquex is used following chemotherapy to help fight infection.
Some chemotherapy will reduce the number of neutrophils in your body. Although Lonquex
is not a treatment for cancer, it does help the body to make new neutrophils and this
may reduce your chance of developing infections that might require antibiotics and/or
hospital stays. It may even increase your chance of receiving your chemotherapy on
time and at the right dose.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed
for you.
This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
2. What should I know before I use Lonquex?
Warnings
Do not use Lonquex if:
you are allergic to lipegfilgrastim, or any other medicines like this one (i.e. filgrastim,
lenograstim or pegfilgrastim of the group of G-CSFs), certain sugars, or any of the
ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
This medicine contains sorbitol.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) sodium per prefilled syringe, i.e.
essentially 'sodium-free'.
Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine
Check with your doctor if you:
have sickle cell anaemia, which is an inherited disease characterized by sickle-shaped
red blood cells.
have a cough, fever and difficulty breathing. It could be a consequence of a pulmonary
disorder.
have upper abdominal pain or pain at the tip of your shoulder. It could be a consequence
of a spleen disorder.
have any other medical conditions
take any medicines for any other condition.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important
you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information
under Section
6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Lonquex has not been tested in pregnant women. It is important that you tell your
doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby,
as the doctor may decide that you should not use this medicine.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
It is unknown whether the active substance in this medicine passes into the breast
milk. You should therefore interrupt breast-feeding during treatment.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy,
supermarket or health food shop.
Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or
avoid while taking this medicine.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect Lonquex.
4. How do I use Lonquex?
Lonquex is given by injection using a prefilled syringe, usually into the tissues
just below the skin. This is called a subcutaneous injection and it is a simple procedure.
It is important that you do not try to give yourself the injection unless you have
received special training from your doctor or nurse.
If you are not sure about giving yourself the injection or you have any questions,
please ask your doctor or nurse for help
To give yourself an injection into the tissue under the skin you will need:
a pre-filled syringe of Lonquex
an alcohol wipe
a piece of gauze bandage or sterile gauze swab
How much to use
The recommended dose is one prefilled syringe (6 mg lipegfilgrastim) ONCE PER CHEMOTHERAPY
CYCLE. This medicine should be given approximately 24 hours after your last dose of
chemotherapy at the end of each chemotherapy cycle.
When to take / use Lonquex
Follow the instructions provided and use Lonquex until your doctor tells you to stop.
Lonquex should be injected 24 hours after the end of each chemotherapy cycle. Your
doctor will tell you when to begin your treatment and when to stop.
Instructions for Injecting Lonquex
What you should do before your injection:
Take the medicine out of the refrigerator.
Open the blister and take the pre-filled syringe out of the blister. Do not pick up
the pre-filled syringe by the plunger or needle cover. This will damage the safety
device.
Check the expiry date on the pre-filled syringe label (EXP). Do not use if the date
has passed the last day of the month shown.
Check the appearance of Lonquex. It must be a clear and colorless liquid. If there
are particles in it or if it is cloudy, you must not use it.
Do not shake Lonquex vigorously as this may affect its activity.
For a more comfortable injection, let the pre-filled injection stand for 30 minutes
to reach room temperature (not above 25°C) or hold the pre-filled syringe gently in
your hand for a few minutes. Do not warm Lonquex in any other way (for example, do
NOT warm it in a microwave or in hot water).
Do NOT remove the needle cover from the syringe until you are ready to inject.
Find a comfortable, well-lit place. Place everything where you can reach for it (the
Lonquex pre-filled syringe, an alcohol wipe and a piece of gauze bandage or a sterile
gauze swab.
Wash your hands thoroughly.
How to prepare for your injection
Before you give yourself a Lonquex injection, you must do the following:
Hold the syringe and gently remove the cover from the needle without twisting. Pull
straight. Do not touch the needle or push the plunger.
You may notice small air bubbles in the pre-filled syringe. If there are air bubbles
present, gently tap the syringe with your fingers until the air bubbles rise to the
top of the syringe. With the syringe pointing upwards, expel all air form the syringe
by pushing the plunger slowly upwards.
You can now use the pre-filled syringe.
Keep pre-filled syringes out of the sight and reach of children.
Where your injection should be given
The most suitable places to inject yourself are:
the top of your thighs.
the abdomen avoiding the skin directly surrounding the navel.
If someone else is injecting you, they can also use the back and side of your upper
arms.
How you should inject yourself
Disinfect the injection site on the skin by using an alcohol wipe and pinch the skin
between your thumb and forefinger, without squeezing it.
Put the needle fully into the skin as shown by your nurse or doctor. The angle between
the syringe and skin should not be too narrow (at least 45°).
Pull slightly on the plunger to check that a blood vessel has not been punctured.
If you see blood in the syringe, remove the needle and re-insert it in another place.
Inject the liquid into the tissue slowly and evenly, always keeping your skin pinched.
Push the plunger as far as it will go to inject all the liquid. While the plunger
is still pressed all the way down, remove the needle from the skin. Then release the
plunger. The safety device will be activated immediately. The entire needle and syringe
will be drawn back automatically and covered so that you cannot prick yourself.
Press the injection site with a piece of gauze bandage or a sterile gauze swab for
several seconds.
Each pre-filled syringe is for single use only.
If you have any problems, please ask your doctor or pharmacist for help and advice.
If you forget to use Lonquex
If you miss your scheduled dose, advise your doctor, nurse or pharmacist as soon as
possible about your missed dose
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
If you use too much Lonquex
If you think that you have used too much Lonquex, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling
13 11 26), or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
5. What should I know while using Lonquex?
Things you should do
There are many ways an infection may show itself.
You should watch for:
fever (a temperature of 38.2°C or greater, or as your doctor suggests)
chills
rash
sore throat
diarrhea
ear ache
difficult or painful breathing, coughing or wheezing.
Go straight to your hospital if you develop any of these symptoms.
Tell your doctor, nurse and pharmacist that you are using Lonquex if you are about
to be started on any new medicine.
Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
Keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your health can be monitored.
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Lonquex.
Things you should not do
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly.
Do not use Lonquex to treat any other complaint unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not give Lonquex to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Lonquex
affects you.
Drinking alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Looking after your medicine
Keep Lonquex in a refrigerator at a temperature of 2°C to 8°C.
Do not freeze.
Lonquex may be removed from the refrigerator and stored below 25°C for a maximum single
period of up to 7 days. Once removed from the refrigerator, the medicine must be used
within this period or disposed of.
Keep the pre-filled syringe in the outer carton, in order to protect from light.
Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.
Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do
not store it:
in the bathroom or near a sink, or
in the car or on window sills.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
When to discard your medicine
Do not use this medicine if you notice that it is cloudy or there are particles in
it.
Once you have injected Lonquex, do not put the grey needle cap back on the used syringe.
Put used syringes into the puncture-proof container and keep this container out of
the sight and reach of children.
Dispose of the full puncture-proof container as instructed by your doctor, nurse or
pharmacist.
Never put the syringes that you have used back into your normal household rubbish
bin.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy
for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any further questions about side effects.
Less serious side effects
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Less serious side effects
|
What to do
|
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Very common Symptoms:
Musculoskeletal pains
bone pain
pain in the joints, muscles, limbs, chest, neck or back
Common Symptoms:
Headache
Chest pain
Reduction in blood platelets:
bleeding or bruising
Skin reactions:
redness or rash
Low blood levels of potassium:
muscle weakness
twitching or abnormal heart rhythm
Uncommon Symptoms
Rise in white blood cells
changes your blood, will be detected by routine blood tests
Local reactions at the injection site:
pain or hardening
Other symptoms seen with similar medicines but not with Lonquex
Inflammation of the blood vessels in the skin
Sickle cell crises in patients with sickle cell anaemia
Sweet's syndrome:
Plum-colored raised painful sores on the limbs and sometimes the face and neck
fever
|
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry
you.
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Serious side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you
feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can
report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at
www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems . By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of
this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop
taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What Lonquex contains
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Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
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lipegfilgrastim
|
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Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
|
glacial acetic acid
sodium hydroxide
sorbitol
polysorbate 20
water for injection
|
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What Lonquex looks like
Lonquex is a solution for injection (injection) in a pre-filled syringe with a fixed
injection needle in a blister.
Lonquex is a clear and colorless solution.
Each prefilled syringe contains 0.6 mL solution.
Each pack contains 1 pre-filled syringe with or without safety device
(Aust R 231016).
Who distributes Lonquex
In Australia:
Teva Pharma Australia Pty Ltd
37 Epping Road
Macquarie Park
NSW 2113
Australia
Toll Free number: 1800 288 382
In New Zealand:
Teva Pharma New Zealand Ltd.
PO Box 128 244, Remuera
Auckland 1541,
New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 800 097
This leaflet was prepared in September 2025.