Palifermin (pal-ee-FER-min)

Prevents or decreases swelling, irritation, sores, or ulcers on the lining of the mouth caused by medicines that treat blood or bone marrow cancers.

Brand Name(s):

Kepivance

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional 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.

• Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines that you use. Tell your doctor if you also use heparin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have any other type of cancer or tumor.
• This medicine may cause some tumors to grow (not blood or bone marrow tumors). Tell your doctor if you have or have had any other type of tumor or cancer.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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
• Fever
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Rapid weight gain
• Severe rash on your skin
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bad taste in your mouth
• Discoloration or thickening sensation of your tongue
• Joint or muscle pain
• Mild skin rash

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