Kepivance (Intravenous)
Palifermin is used to reduce the frequency and duration of severe mouth sores in people with certain blood cancers.
Palifermin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Kepivance (Intravenous) used for?
- Mucositis
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Kepivance (Intravenous)?
Tell your doctor if you:
- are being treated with melphalan; or
- have received chemotherapy within 24 hours before receiving palifermin or if you plan to receive chemotherapy within 24 hours after receiving palifermin.
Using palifermin may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.
Palifermin may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
Palifermin may affect fertility in men or women. Pregnancy could be harder to achieve while either parent is using this medicine.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Kepivance (Intravenous)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- joint pain;
- itching, rash, redness of skin; or
- changes in mouth and tongue sensation, altered sense of taste.
Common side effects may include:
- color change or thick tongue;
- fever;
- itching or rash;
- swelling or redness of skin; or
- abnormal lab results.
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.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Kepivance (Intravenous) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Palifermin may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Kepivance (Intravenous)?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Kepivance (Intravenous)?
Use Kepivance (Intravenous) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
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.
Follow all storage instructions provided with your injectable medication. Your healthcare provider can provide more information about how to store this medicine.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your palifermin injection.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Kepivance (Intravenous)?
In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.