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Palifermin is a medicine used to fight the effects of cancer and its treatments. The following article will introduce you to some information about this drug.
1. What are the uses of Palifermin?
Palifermin is a man-made version of a protein that is naturally produced by the body, called keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). KGF stimulates the growth of tissues such as the skin, lining of the mouth, stomach and intestines. Palifermin, like the body's KGF, can also stimulate these cells to grow and develop.
Mucositis is an inflammation of the lining of the mouth and digestive tract (throat, stomach, and intestines), commonly seen in patients who have received stem cell or bone marrow transplants. Severe mucositis usually includes sores and ulcers in the mouth and digestive tract, making it difficult or impossible to eat, drink, talk, or swallow. Palifermin is used to reduce the risk of developing severe mucositis or to shorten the duration of severe mucositis in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation and undergoing autologous or allogeneic transplantation.
Palifermin is not a cancer medicine but a supportive care medicine. This means it is used to fight the effects of cancer and its treatments.
2. How to use palifermin
Palifermin is given intravenously (IV, into a vein) before and after chemotherapy or radiation. Palifermin should not be used on the same day as cancer therapies.
3. Some side effects of Palifermin
Some common side effects when using palifermin such as:
Rash Some patients may have a rash, red, dry or itchy skin. Your doctor may prescribe an alcohol-free moisturizer for your skin and lips. Fragrance or perfumed moisturizers should be avoided. If the skin is cracked or bleeding, the patient should keep the area clean to avoid infection.
Pancreatic problems Bloating, indigestion, fatty stools, loss of appetite, sweating, abdominal pain and weight loss can all be symptoms of pancreatitis.
Peripheral edema Peripheral edema is swelling of the extremities due to fluid retention commonly found in the hands, arms, legs, ankles and feet. The swelling may become uncomfortable.
Fertility Exposure to this drug to an unborn baby can cause birth defects, so patients should not become pregnant or father a child while taking this medicine. Also, you should not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine or for 2 weeks after your last dose.
Palifermin is a medicine used to fight the effects of cancer and its treatments. To ensure the effectiveness of treatment and avoid side effects, users need to strictly follow the instructions of the doctor, professional pharmacist.
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Reference source: oncolink.org
