Palifermin, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: keratinocyte growth factor

Generic and brand names: palifermin, injection; Kepivance

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to prevent or treat severe oral mucositis (mouth sores) in people receiving cancer treatment for blood cancers such as leukemia.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is given by your healthcare provider. You will receive 3 daily infusions before and 3 daily infusions after chemotherapy. It should not be given within 24 hours of receiving chemotherapy.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What should I watch out for?

Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever, chills, severe rash, trouble breathing.

Other: Change in sense of taste, discolored tongue, tongue thickening, itching, swelling in your legs or feet, joint pain; increased or decreased sensitivity, especially around the mouth; numbness or tingling, especially around the mouth.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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