Palifermin

Palifermin is used to lower how often and how long severe mouth sores occur in people with specific blood cancers.

Palifermin may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Palifermin is given through an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection before and after your chemotherapy treatment.

Your palifermin injections are scheduled to happen at specific times as part of your treatment. Make sure to follow your doctor's instructions about when to receive each injection.

Follow all storage instructions that come with your injectable medication. Your healthcare provider can give you more information on how to store this medicine.

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Tell your doctor if you:

• are being treated with melphalan; or
• have received chemotherapy within 24 hours before receiving palifermin or if you plan to receive chemotherapy within 24 hours after receiving palifermin.

Using palifermin may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.

Palifermin may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Palifermin may affect fertility in men or women. Pregnancy could be harder to achieve while either parent is using palifermin.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Palifermin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• joint pain;
• itching, rash, or redness of skin; or
• changes in mouth and tongue sensation, altered sense of taste.

Common side effects of palifermin may include:

• color change or thick tongue;
• fever;
• itching or rash;
• swelling or redness of skin; or
• abnormal lab results.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Mucositis:

60 mcg/kg IV (as a bolus) once a day, administered for 3 consecutive days before and 3 consecutive days after myelotoxic therapyComments:-Prior to myelotoxic therapy: The third dose should be administered 24 to 48 hours prior to beginning the myelotoxic agent.-Following myelotoxic therapy: The first dose should be administered on the day of hematopoietic stem cell infusion after the infusion is complete, AND at least 7 days after the most recent dose of this drug.Uses:-Decrease the incidence and duration of severe oral mucositis in patients with hematologic malignancies receiving myelotoxic therapy in the setting of autologous hematopoietic stem cell support-Supportive care for preparative regiments predicted to result in greater than or equal to WHO Grade 3 mucositis in the majority of patients

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Kepivance injection.

In a medical setting, an overdose would be treated right away.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

Other drugs may affect palifermin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are using.