What to expect from growth factor support for febrile neutropenia

Growth factors are medicines that signal the bone marrow to make more neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps control infection. They do not replace antibiotics, cultures, observation, or other treatment for a fever. Your team decides whether support is appropriate after considering the infection, blood counts, chemotherapy plan, other illnesses, and how you are responding. Bone or muscle aches can occur as the marrow becomes more active; your team can advise which symptom relief is suitable.

Treatment may be given by injection, with timing set by your oncology team. Expect repeat blood tests and checks of temperature, blood pressure, breathing, and symptoms. Take medicines exactly as prescribed and tell staff about new pain, rash, diarrhoea, cough, urinary symptoms, or confusion. Do not delay contacting the hospital because you have already received a growth factor. Ask how to record your temperature and when your next blood count will be checked. Read more about [Growth Factor Support](/treatments/supportive-and-palliative-care/growth-factor-support/).

A fever during neutropenia can signal a serious infection and needs immediate contact with your oncology service or the emergency department, following the plan you were given. Seek emergency help for difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe weakness, fainting, new confusion, uncontrolled shaking, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Do not wait for the growth factor to take effect.

Why is growth factor support being recommended for me? How and when should it be given? Which fever threshold should I use, and who should I call day or night? Which pain medicines are suitable? When will chemotherapy be reviewed, and which blood tests are needed?