Palifermin
Generic name: palifermin [ PAL-ee-FER-min ]
Brand name: Kepivance
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (6.25 mg)
Drug class:Miscellaneous uncategorized agents
What is palifermin?
Palifermin is used to help prevent or heal mouth sores and ulcers in people being treated with chemotherapy and stem cell treatment.
Palifermin is used in people receiving chemotherapy to treat blood cancers (Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, leukemia). palifermin is not a treatment for the cancer itself.
Palifermin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use palifermin if you are allergic to it.
Palifermin may cause growth in tumors that are not related to a blood cancer. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of any type of tumor.
Palifermin may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
palifermin may affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
Palifermin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 1 year old.
How is palifermin given?
Palifermin is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection before and after your chemotherapy treatment.
Your palifermin injections are timed to take place at certain intervals as part of your treatment. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about when to receive each injection.
Palifermin should not be given within 24 hours before you receive your chemotherapy.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your palifermin injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Since palifermin is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid while using palifermin?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Palifermin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficu...
