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Drug Information

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  • Common uses
  • How to take the medication
  • Common side effects
  • Precautions & interactions

How Trilaciclib Injection works, side effects, interactions and precautions.

Trilaciclib Injection

Trilaciclib Injection

(trye" la sye' klib)

Brand Name(s): , Cosela®


WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Trilaciclib injection is used to decrease the risk of myelosuppression (a decrease in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) from certain chemotherapy medications in adults with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Trilaciclib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of certain substances in the body to protect the cells in the bone marrow and immune system from damage during chemotherapy.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Trilaciclib comes as a powder to be dissolved in liquid and given into the vein by a doctor or nurse in a doctor's office or healthcare facility. It is usually given as a 30 minute infusion within 4 hours before chemotherapy.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before receiving trilaciclib,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to trilaciclib, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in trilaciclib injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: cisplatin; dalfampridine (Ampyra); dofetilide (Tikosyn); and metformin (Glucophage). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with trilaciclib, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical conditions.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You will need to take a pregnancy test before you start treatment and should use birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment and for at least 3 weeks after your final dose. If you become pregnant while receiving trilaciclib, call your doctor immediately. Trilaciclib may harm the fetus.
  • tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed while receiving trilaciclib and for at least 3 weeks after your final dose.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Trilaciclib injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • tiredness
  • headache
  • upper right stomach pain

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

  • fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other signs of infection
  • injection site pain, swelling, redness, warmth, or itching
  • red, hot, swollen area on the skin
  • facial, eye, and tongue swelling
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • rash
  • itching
  • hives

Trilaciclib injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ([WEB]) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at [WEB]. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to trilaciclib injection.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about trilaciclib.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.



This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2023. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: April 15, 2021.

See Expert Resources

The Navigating Care Library includes articles about cancer, chemotherapy regimens and drugs from the the National Cancer Institute and other experts.