OBJECTIVES: I. Compare the effect of single dose filgrastim-SD/01 vs daily filgrastim (G-CSF) on the duration of neutropenia in course 1 after combination chemotherapy in patients with recurrent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. II. Compare the effect of these regimens on duration of neutropenia in courses 2-4, absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) in courses 1-4, time to ANC recovery in courses 1-4, and safety in these patients. III. Determine the pharmacokinetic profile of these drugs in course 1 in these patients.