Introduction

Palifermin (pal-ee-FER-min)

Used to decrease the incidence and duration of oral mucositis in patients with blood disorders receiving myelotoxic therapy.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

Kepivance

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to palifermin or E coli-derived protein products.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.

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 are using.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
• This medicine increases rate of tumor cell line growth. Make sure your doctor knows if you ever had any tumor.

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, pain, or rapid weight gain.
• Mouth or tongue thickness or discoloration.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Severe rash on your skin.

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

• Altered or bad taste in your mouth.
• Itching or redness of your skin.
• Pain in your joints.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.

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