Palifermin is used to help prevent or heal mouth sores and ulcers in people being treated with chemotherapy and stem cell treatment.

Palifermin is used in people receiving chemotherapy to treat blood cancers (Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, leukemia). palifermin is not a treatment for the cancer itself.

Palifermin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

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

Your palifermin injections are timed to take place at certain intervals as part of your treatment. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about when to receive each injection.

Palifermin should not be given within 24 hours before you receive your chemotherapy.

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 therapy

Comments:
-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

You should not use palifermin if you are allergic to it.

Palifermin may cause growth in tumors that are not related to a blood cancer. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of any type of tumor.

Palifermin may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

palifermin may affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman.

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

Palifermin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 1 year old.

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

Since palifermin is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

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 at once if you have:

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights.

Common side effects of palifermin may include:

• fever;

• swelling or redness of your skin;

• itching or rash; or

• abnormal blood test.

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.

Other drugs may affect palifermin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.