Drugs & Vitamins

Palifermin injection Active Ingredients: Palifermin injection Representative Names: Kepivance What is Palifermin injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should this medicine be used? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with Palifermin? What side effects may I notice from receiving Palifermin? What should I watch for while taking Palifermin? Where can I keep my medicine? What is Palifermin injection? (Back to top) PALIFERMIN, (Kepivance™) is a growth factor used to decrease the incidence and duration of severe mouth sores (mucositis/stomatitis) in patients with blood-related cancers receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy in combination with stem cell transplantation. Generic palifermin injections are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •an unusual reaction to Palifermin, E. coli protein, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should this medicine be used? (Back to top) Palifermin is for rapid injection into a vein. It is usually administered in a hospital or clinic setting by a health-care professional. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) It is important not to miss a dose. Notify your prescriber or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment. What drug(s) may interact with Palifermin? (Back to top) Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving Palifermin? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site •fever •joint pain •swelling or thickening of the tongue •skin rash or itching Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •altered taste •tingling or other unusual sensations around the mouth •temporary increase in blood pressure •tongue discoloration What should I watch for while taking Palifermin? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you get a fever or any sign of infection while you are receiving palifermin, do not treat yourself. Check with your prescriber or health care professional. Mouth pain can usually be relieved with pain relievers prescribed by your health-care professional. Do not take any over-the-counter (non-prescription or OTC) pain relievers without the approval of your health-care professional. If pain is not adequately controlled, call your prescriber or health-care professional. Palifermin may affect your future ability to have children. If you have not already done so, discuss family planning options with your health care provider prior to beginning chemotherapy or treatment with palifermin. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) This does not apply. You will not be given this medication to store at home. Last Updated:01/07/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.