Palifermin (By injection)
pal-ee-FER-min
Prevents or decreases swelling, irritation, sores, or ulcers in the mouth that are caused by cancer treatment.
Drug classes
Protectant, Dental (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
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. This medicine is used in patients who will be needing hematopoietic stem cell support.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how palifermin works. Tell your doctor if you are also receiving heparin.
You should not receive this medicine during the 24 hours before or after receiving cancer medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to palifermin.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
This medicine may cause other kinds of tumors to grow (not the kind of tumor you are being treated for). Tell your doctor if you have had any other tumor or cancer.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Changes to your sense of touch, tingling in your hands or feet
Swelling your hands, ankles, or feet
Tongue feeling thick, color changes to your tongue, changes to your sense of taste
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Kepivance
There may be other brand names for this medicine.