Palifermin (Intravenous)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 1, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Kepivance

Available Dosage Forms:

Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Protectant, Dental

Pharmacologic Class: Keratinocyte Growth Factor

Uses for palifermin

Palifermin injection is used to prevent or lessen side effects (such as swelling, irritation, sores or ulcers on the lining of the mouth) caused by cancer medicines that are used to treat blood or bone marrow problems. Palifermin is used in patients who will be needing hematopoietic stem cell support.

Palifermin is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Before using palifermin

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For palifermin, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to palifermin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of palifermin injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Although appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of palifermin injection have not been performed in the geriatric population, no geriatric-specific problems have been documented to date.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving palifermin, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using palifermin with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Heparin

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Palifermin Intravenous