Neugen

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Neugen

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Neugen

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Nicergoline
Pharmacological Class Peripheral Vasodilator, Alpha-Adrenergic Antagonist
Origin Semi-synthetic ergot alkaloid derivative
Dosage Forms Tablets, Solution for Injection
Common Use Category Circulatory support, vascular disorders

What Type of Medicine is Neugen (Nicergoline)?

Neugen is a prescription medicine containing the single active substance, Nicergoline, which is its International Nonproprietary Name (INN). It is chemically categorized as a semi-synthetic ergot alkaloid derivative. It is classified as a Peripheral Vasodilator and a selective Alpha-Adrenergic Antagonist (alpha-blocker). This pharmacological categorization indicates its primary biological effect is centered on modulating the tone of blood vessels to influence circulation.

Composition and Available Forms of Neugen

The composition is defined by its core ingredient, Nicergoline, supported by necessary pharmaceutical excipients. Neugen is manufactured for systemic delivery and is most frequently supplied in two distinct dosage forms: the oral tablets (typically film-coated for ingestion) and a specialized solution for injection for parenteral administration in clinical settings. The molecule’s profile includes the ability to readily cross the blood-brain barrier, indicating that the active compound is designed to affect both central and peripheral circulation following systemic absorption. This characteristic profile differentiates it from non-cerebral acting vasodilators.

What is the General Purpose of This Vasoactive Agent?

The general purpose of the vasoactive agent Neugen is to help restore and improve circulation, particularly where blood flow to tissues is diminished. By functioning as a peripheral vasodilator, the medicine causes the widening of restricted arteries and small blood vessels. This essential physiological action facilitates improved blood flow, which in turn helps enhance the delivery of vital resources such as oxygen and glucose to tissues, especially those supplied by cerebral and peripheral arteries, thereby supporting overall cellular metabolic function. For instance, its action is typically leveraged in cases where optimization of cerebral blood flow is a key clinical objective.

What side effects are possible with Neugen?

Possible side effects and safety information

The official regulatory safety profile for Neugen, based on government labeling for the active substance Filgrastim, classifies potential adverse reactions by their frequency and the system-organ class they affect.

Classification System-Organ Class Involved Example Adverse Reactions
Very Common (ge 1/10) Musculoskeletal & Connective Tissue Bone pain, Pyrexia (fever)
Common (ge 1/100 to < 1/10) General Disorders, Nervous System Headache, Non-cardiac chest pain, Splenomegaly (spleen enlargement)
Uncommon (ge 1/1,000 to < 1/100) Blood & Lymphatic, Respiratory Splenic rupture, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Serious Adverse Reactions

Regulatory documents explicitly list several clinically significant and potentially life-threatening adverse reactions. These include fatal splenic rupture, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), and serious allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis). Other rare but serious events documented are Capillary Leak Syndrome (CLS), Glomerulonephritis, and Aortitis.

Population-Specific Safety

Specific warnings exist for defined patient subsets. Individuals with sickle cell disorders face a distinct risk of severe and sometimes fatal sickle cell crises. For patients with Severe Chronic Neutropenia (SCN), there is an increased risk of developing Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) or Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) during long-term therapy.

Safety-Related Restrictions

Safety limitations documented in official labeling include a contraindication for individuals with a history of serious allergic reactions to the active substance. The label also requires that the medicine is not administered simultaneously with chemotherapy. Additionally, increased hematopoietic activity can cause transient positive changes on bone imaging results, a factor to be considered in diagnostic interpretation.

Connection to the overall safety profile

The official regulatory safety information for Neugen structures its risk profile by categorizing effects by frequency and anatomical system. This framework identifies frequently experienced reactions alongside a clear listing of serious, clinically significant adverse events like splenic rupture and ARDS. The safety profile is further defined by documented restrictions and population-specific considerations, ensuring all known risks are communicated according to governmental standards.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory profile for a Neugen overdosage centers on the severe over-exaggeration of the drug's primary pharmacological action. The main documented clinical manifestation is Excessive Leukocytosis, which is defined as an abnormally high white blood cell (WBC) count, potentially reaching a threshold of ge 100,000/ mm^3. This finding, which impacts the hematopoietic system, necessitates immediate action to mitigate potential complications associated with uncontrolled cell proliferation.

Due to the inherent regulatory risk, government agencies mandate that an individual seek immediate medical attention or contact a Poison Control center immediately upon the suspicion that too much Neugen has been administered. This guidance is explicit for any instance of suspected over-administration.

Management of Neugen overdosage is strictly supportive and procedural, as no specific pharmacological antidote is documented in the official prescribing information. The required procedural steps include the immediate discontinuation of Neugen therapy to halt the excessive stimulation of white blood cell production. Following cessation, mandated clinical procedures include close and frequent monitoring of Complete Blood Counts (CBCs) to track the resolution of the excessive leukocytosis. Official regulatory documents do not specify distinct overdose risks for pediatric, geriatric, or other specific patient populations in the dedicated overdosage section.

Therapeutic Uses of Neugen

Quick Facts

  • Condition Treated: Neutropenia
  • Primary Benefit: Decreases the incidence of infection
  • Uses: Used in patients receiving chemotherapy or certain other medical procedures

What Neugen Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Neugen is a medication prescribed to manage and prevent a condition called neutropenia, which is characterized by an abnormally low number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood. Neutrophils are a critical component of the immune system and are essential for combating infection.

The main uses of Neugen focus on stimulating the production of these white blood cells from the bone marrow. This helps to minimize the risk of serious infection, which can be life-threatening for patients with diminished neutrophil counts.

Neugen is authorized for several key indications, including:

  • Reducing the incidence of febrile neutropenia (fever associated with a low neutrophil count) in patients with specific types of cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy that is known to significantly decrease white blood cell counts.
  • Treatment of neutropenia in patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) who are receiving chemotherapy.
  • Use in patients with Severe Chronic Neutropenia (SCN) to boost neutrophil levels and prevent infection.
  • Mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells into the peripheral blood for collection, often preceding an autologous stem cell transplant.
  • Treatment of patients exposed to certain doses of radiation, specifically for the Hematopoietic Syndrome of Acute Radiation Syndrome (H-ARS), where it is used to increase the chance of survival by reducing myelosuppression (bone marrow damage).

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Neugen (Filgrastim) is governed by specific regulatory criteria defining eligible patient populations and absolute exclusions.

Populations for Whom Use is Contraindicated

The medicine must not be used in patients with a known history of severe allergic reactions to Filgrastim, Pegfilgrastim, or any component derived from E. coli proteins. Use is generally restricted in patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) or Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) due to the potential effect on malignant cells.

Age and Physiological Restrictions

Population Status Official Eligibility Rule
Age Groups Use is established in pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations for approved indications; not established for infants under 1 month of age.
Pregnancy Conditional use; only permitted if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Lactation Not generally recommended; official guidance suggests discontinuing the medicine or nursing.

Conditional Use and Monitoring

Use is restricted and requires caution in patients with Sickle Cell Disease or Trait due to the reported risk of severe crisis. Patients with severe Renal or Hepatic Impairment have limited data, and use is not established in all severe cases. The drug is allowed for patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) treatment, Severe Chronic Neutropenia (SCN), and stem cell mobilization, provided all mandatory exclusions are met.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interaction Map: Interactions with other medicines and products — official regulatory information for Neugen (Nicergoline)

Property Description
Medicinal product categories with documented interactions Anticoagulants, Antiplatelet Agents, Other Antihypertensive Agents (e.g., ACE inhibitors, Beta-blockers, Diuretics), Strong CYP2D6 Inhibitors, and Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors.
Specific interacting medicines (if explicitly listed) The interaction documentation focuses on class effects of the listed categories, such as agents that lower blood pressure or affect coagulation.
Mechanistic basis of interactions (only if stated in label) Pharmacodynamic interaction causing additive effects on blood pressure and hemorrhage risk. Pharmacokinetic interaction via inhibition of CYP2D6-mediated metabolism of the active ingredient and inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of its primary metabolite.
Timing-based interaction rules (if applicable) None documented for mandatory dose separation or spacing requirements.
Population-specific interaction notes (if applicable) None documented relating to the change in interaction severity based on specific patient populations within the interaction sections of the label.

Interaction classifications (high-level)

Classification Description
Interaction severity classification (as defined in official documents) Interactions are classified as requiring Caution due to the potential for clinically significant hypotension and/or hemorrhage. Simultaneous use is restricted for certain combinations of adrenergic receptor blockers.
Regulatory basis (EMA / FDA / etc.) Based on official governmental Prescribing Information and Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).
Interaction-context constraints (as defined in official documents) Constraints apply to combinations that increase Nicergoline's systemic exposure or active metabolite levels, or those that cause an excessive additive hypotensive effect or potentiation of bleeding risk.

Resulting interaction structure

Official interaction statements:

  • Co-administration with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents is documented to result in an additive effect that potentiates the risk of hemorrhage.
  • Other antihypertensive agents can cause additive pharmacodynamic effects resulting in enhanced hypotension.
  • Inhibitors of the CYP2D6 enzyme may increase systemic exposure to the active ingredient.
  • Inhibitors of the CYP3A4 enzyme may reduce the clearance and increase the exposure of the active metabolite of Nicergoline.
  • The co-administration of alcohol may potentiate the hypotensive effects.
  • Simultaneous use with certain Alpha- and Beta-Adrenergic Receptor Blockers is restricted.

Connection to the overall interaction profile (2–4 sentences):

The regulatory documents define Nicergoline's interaction structure primarily through two domains: pharmacodynamic potentiation of existing effects (hypotension and bleeding risk) and pharmacokinetic inhibition of its clearance pathways (CYP2D6 and CYP3A4). These official statements impose restrictions on co-administering the drug with agents that share these effects or pathways, requiring specific caution as defined in the official labeling.

Mechanism of Action

How Neugen Works

Neugen is a targeted modulator that acts by selectively interacting with specific biological targets, such as defined receptors or enzymes, within a core regulatory system. This molecular binding event serves to immediately modulate an elevated activity level, influencing the initial step of a modified physiological signaling pattern at the cellular interface.

Following this interaction, Neugen's mechanism influences defined signaling pathways by altering the flow of signal transduction across the affected cells. This targeted pathway interference is applied in systems where heightened activation occurs, resulting in restricted propagation of downstream effects and molecular cascades.

Ultimately, the cumulative mechanistic activity of Neugen engages mechanisms that mediate the activity of overactive physiological responses within central or peripheral systems. By contributing to the modulation of activity within these pathways, Neugen's presence is associated with a modulated activity profile and results in physiological adjustments corresponding to the specific mechanistic intervention.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration Scope

Neugen (Filgrastim) is administered through two primary parenteral routes. The medicine is most frequently given as a subcutaneous (SC) injection, which is a common method for most regimens and can be performed in the outpatient setting. Alternatively, Neugen may be administered as a short intravenous (IV) infusion (typically over 15 to 30 minutes) or a continuous IV infusion in a clinical setting.


Official Dosing and Scheduling

The dosage of Neugen is weight-based, specified in micrograms per kilogram (5 mu g/kg) per day, and is administered as a single daily injection unless otherwise specified. For patients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy, the standard starting dose is 5 mu g/kg once daily. For the mobilization of progenitor cells, a higher daily dose of 10 mu g/kg is prescribed.

Administration is strictly scheduled relative to other treatments. The first dose of Neugen must be given no less than 24 hours after the completion of cytotoxic chemotherapy. The medicine must not be administered within the 24-hour period prior to chemotherapy.


Procedural and Duration Constraints

Treatment is not fixed to a specific number of days but is ANC-driven (Absolute Neutrophil Count). Daily administration must continue until the ANC has recovered to a pre-defined threshold (e.g., 10,000/ mm^3) following the expected low point.

Specific handling is required for preparation: Neugen must not be shaken, and if intended for intravenous infusion, it must be diluted in a 5% Dextrose solution; dilution in saline is prohibited. The same weight-based dosing is applied for pediatric patients as for adults, and routine dose adjustments are not specified for older adults or patients with renal or hepatic impairment. These rules establish a standardized protocol for the medication's use, ensuring consistent delivery and timing relative to concurrent therapies.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Neugen (Nicergoline)


Evidence for Use in Cognitive and Behavioral Dysfunction

The research base for Neugen was studied for conditions where brain function and behavior are affected, such as age-associated thinking difficulties and mild-to-moderate forms of dementia. The primary research conducted for this use involved Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). These findings were later summarized and analyzed in Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses to look for consistent patterns. In these studies, researchers monitored measured differences in older adults using standardized scales, including the SCAG scale and the Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC). Findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to measured changes compared to control groups. However, the variability of evidence exists across studies, and sample sizes were modest in trials that focused exclusively on certain severe conditions.


Evidence for Use in Cerebrovascular and Peripheral Vascular Disorders

Neugen was studied for its potential application in chronic conditions where blood flow to the brain (cerebrovascular) or to the limbs (peripheral vascular) may be restricted. The evidence for these uses is derived from a mix of smaller Randomized Controlled Trials and open-label studies. Studies explored outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance by using instruments to measure blood flow and by monitoring changes in functional performance. The research describes patterns where objective circulation parameters were observed to change in the patient populations studied, but the data show patterns related to limited follow-up durations and modest sample sizes.


What is Still Uncertain About Neugen Research

Scientific evidence highlights what is known and what is still uncertain about the research into Neugen. The primary limitations identified stem from the variability of evidence across studies. In the vascular and balance applications, sample sizes were modest, and follow-up durations were limited. This means that for many specific conditions, data are still emerging, and the overall certainty for these specific conditions remains limited. Research does not determine whether an individual will respond similarly, as study results reflect the specific conditions under which they were conducted, and findings describe group patterns, not personal outcomes.

Key Studies & References

  1. Nicergoline - EMA Article 31 procedure and restriction on use of ergot derivatives (Government/Regulatory Document)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Neugen (FAQ)


Q: Are the side effects of Neugen permanent?

Official regulatory documents categorize side effects by how frequently they occur. While many common reactions like headache or bone pain are generally described as resolving, the official safety profile for Neugen also lists rare but serious adverse reactions, such as splenic rupture or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), which are associated with severe clinical outcomes.


Q: Is Neugen safe to take if I already have liver problems?

Regulatory information states that there is limited data for the use of Neugen in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment (severe kidney or liver problems). Because of this, use is described as not established in all severe cases. Information regarding the use of Neugen in patients with liver problems is for the use of the prescribing healthcare provider.


Q: Are there any common over-the-counter medicines that shouldn't be mixed with Neugen?

Regulatory documents list categories of medicines that may interact with Neugen, rather than listing specific over-the-counter (OTC) brands. For instance, Neugen's active substance is affected by drugs that interfere with certain liver enzymes, such as CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 inhibitors, which can increase the level of Neugen in the body. The interaction structure described in regulatory documents is designed for interpretation by a healthcare provider.


Q: Is it okay to take Neugen with painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen?

Official Nicergoline documentation states that combining it with antiplatelet agents (a class that includes ibuprofen) can result in an additive effect that increases the risk of hemorrhage (bleeding). Acetaminophen is not specifically listed as an interacting substance in the official Nicergoline regulatory text.


Q: Is there a different way to take Neugen if I have trouble swallowing pills?

The active substance in Neugen is manufactured in two primary forms: oral tablets and a solution for injection. The injection can be administered subcutaneously (SC) or as an intravenous (IV) infusion in a clinical setting, offering alternatives for delivery.


Q: Is Neugen a common medicine, or is it new?

Neugen's active substance (Filgrastim) was approved by the FDA in 1991, indicating a long history of clinical use and regulatory oversight. Nicergoline is chemically categorized as an ergot alkaloid derivative, a class of compounds that has been studied for an extended period. The existence of extensive regulatory documents reflects its established use.


Q: Why do some people feel very tired when they first start Neugen?

Tiredness or fatigue is a documented adverse reaction in clinical studies of Neugen (Filgrastim). In these studies, it was reported as a very common side effect. This type of reaction is a recognized possibility when initiating the medicine.


Q: Do I need to avoid any specific types of food or drinks while on Neugen?

Official Nicergoline documentation specifically notes that taking the medicine with alcohol may potentiate its hypotensive effects (cause an increase in blood pressure lowering). Beyond this, some instructions for the Nicergoline tablet form advise taking the medicine with food to help absorption.


Q: What happens if I miss a dose of Neugen?

Regulatory guidance for Neugen's active substance (Nicergoline) generally advises that if a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible. However, if it is close to the time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped entirely. Regulatory guidance indicates that patients should not take a double dose.


Q: How long can a person safely stay on Neugen?

For some uses (like after chemotherapy), the duration of Neugen (Filgrastim) is driven by the patient's Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) and is not fixed. However, official documents warn that individuals receiving long-term treatment (greater than 1 year) for Severe Chronic Neutropenia (SCN) face an increased risk of developing MDS or AML.


Q: Is there a generic version of Neugen available?

The active substance in Neugen (Filgrastim) serves as the reference product for several biosimilar products that have been approved by regulatory bodies in the United States and European Union. These comparable medicines are marketed under different trade names.


Q: Can Neugen cause weight changes?

Official regulatory documents for Neugen (Filgrastim) list loss of appetite and weight loss as possible side effects. A serious, but rare, adverse reaction called Capillary Leak Syndrome is also documented and can be associated with sudden weight gain or swelling.


Q: Is Neugen addictive?

Neugen (Filgrastim) is a recombinant human protein that functions as a growth factor, and Neugen (Nicergoline) is an ergot derivative. Both active substances are not classified as controlled substances by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, which regulates drugs with potential for abuse or dependence.


Q: Are there long-term effects of taking Neugen that I should know about?

Official Filgrastim warnings highlight a specific long-term risk for patients with Severe Chronic Neutropenia (SCN). For this group, there is an increased risk of developing Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) or Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) when receiving long-term therapy.


Q: Will Neugen make it difficult to drive or operate machinery?

Regulatory documents mention side effects such as dizziness and tiredness, which could potentially affect the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. Additionally, the official safety profile for Neugen (Filgrastim) documents sudden dizziness associated with serious, though rare, events like Capillary Leak Syndrome.


Q: Is Neugen approved in countries outside of [Example Country]?

Yes, official documents confirm that Neugen's active substance (Filgrastim) has regulatory approvals from major global bodies like the FDA and EMA. Nicergoline is documented as a registered drug in over 50 countries, indicating wide global recognition.


Q: Do studies suggest Neugen is better than a placebo?

Clinical studies described in the official research evidence are often conducted as Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and monitored measured differences compared to control groups (placebo). The findings describe observed patterns where measured changes occurred in the studied patient populations.


Q: Can Neugen make you feel dizzy?

Dizziness is listed as an adverse effect in regulatory documents for both active substances. Specifically, it is reported as a very common side effect in clinical studies of Neugen (Filgrastim).


Q: Where can I find the official regulatory information about Neugen?

Official regulatory information can be accessed on governmental websites. For US prescribing details, this is typically available via the FDA DailyMed or Drugs@FDA portal. For information from the European Union, the EMA website publishes the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).


Q: Is Neugen a controlled substance?

The active substances in Neugen, Filgrastim and Nicergoline, are biological products or ergot derivatives. Regulatory documents confirm that neither substance is categorized as a controlled substance by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).


Q: What is the success rate described in the research for Neugen?

Official research documents do not provide a single, simple 'success rate' percentage for Neugen. Instead, the evidence describes patterns observed and reports results based on monitoring measured differences using standardized clinical scales.


Q: Does Neugen stay in the body for a long time after the last dose?

Regulatory pharmacokinetic information for Neugen (Filgrastim) indicates that after injection, the maximum concentration in the blood is reached within approximately 2 to 8 hours. Following intravenous infusion, there is no evidence of drug accumulation.


Q: How effective is Neugen according to the clinical trials?

Clinical trials for Neugen are described as showing measured differences in patient populations on validated scales. The research evidence highlights observed patterns in outcomes related to systemic or functional balance but notes the variability of evidence and modest sample sizes for some conditions.

How should Neugen be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Neugen (Filgrastim)

Neugen must be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2 C to 8 C (36 F to 46 F) and kept in its original carton to protect it from light. The medication must not be frozen or shaken. If a container is accidentally frozen a second time, it must be discarded.

Stability and Handling

Single-dose vials and prefilled syringes are for one-time use only. The medication must be discarded if it is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles. Neugen can be stored at room temperature (up to 25 C) for a single period of no more than 24 hours, after which it must be discarded.

Disposal Requirements

All used needles, syringes, and vials must be placed immediately into an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. The container must be kept out of the reach of children, and sharps must never be placed in household trash or recycling.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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