Palifermin injection

What is this medicine?

PALIFERMIN (pal ee FER min) is an epithelial (skin cell) growth factor. It is used to treat and to prevent severe mouth sores in patients with blood-related cancers who receive chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy before an autologous stem-cell transplantation.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• burning, tingling in or around the mouth

• changes in taste

• change in tongue color

• changes in vision

• fever

• thickening of the tongue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

• joint pain

What may interact with this medicine?

There are no known drug interactions.

Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an unusual or allergic reaction to palifermin, E. coli protein, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

Do not use this medicine if you have a cancer that is not a blood-related cancer. This medicine may cause other cancers to grow.

Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for at least 2 weeks after stopping it.

This medicine may make it more difficult to get pregnant or to father a child. Talk to your health care professional if you are concerned about your fertility.