Plerixafor

Plerixafor is used in people with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or multiple myeloma.

Plerixafor helps your bone marrow release stem cells into your bloodstream so they can be collected and transplanted back into your body.

Plerixafor may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Do not use if you are pregnant.

• Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

You should not be treated with plerixafor if you are allergic to it, or if you have leukemia.

Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.

Plerixafor may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using plerixafor and for at least 1 week after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

You should not breastfeed while receiving this medication.

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

Tell your caregivers right away if you have a serious side effect such as:

• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• feeling like you might pass out; or
• severe pain in your left upper stomach, spreading to your shoulder blade.

Common side effects of plerixafor may include:

• irritation where the medication was injected;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• headache, dizziness;
• tiredness; or
• joint pain.

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

Plerixafor is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You will be watched closely for at least 30 minutes to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.

Before receiving plerixafor, you will be given a medication called a granulocyte (GRAN-yoo-loe-site) colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). A G-CSF helps your body produce stem cells and white blood cells to help support your immune system.

Plerixafor works together with the G-CSF by causing stem cells and granulocytes produced in the bone marrow to circulate into your bloodstream where they can be collected in blood drawn from your vein.

After your blood is drawn, it will be processed so that the needed stem cells and granulocytes can be separated from other unneeded parts of the blood. These stem cells and granulocytes will then be "transplanted" back into your body.

Your blood will need to be tested often during your treatment.

Because you will receive plerixafor in a clinical setting, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

Since this medication is administered by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, the chance of an overdose is low.

Symptoms of an overdose may include stomach discomfort, severe dizziness, or fainting.

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any restrictions on food, drinks, or activities.

Other drugs may affect plerixafor, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you begin or discontinue using.