Drug interactions
Cytarabine + Palifermin
Severity: Major
Cytarabine and Palifermin: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Palifermin stimulates epithelial cell growth, and when given close to cytotoxic chemotherapy it was associated with more severe and longer oral mucositis. This is a concern with cytarabine, which itself causes mucosal toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cytarabine and Palifermin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Cytarabine belongs to Oncology; Palifermin belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Palifermin-driven proliferation of mucosal epithelial cells may increase their sensitivity to cytotoxic chemotherapy.
What to do
Do not give palifermin within 24 hours before, during, or within 24 hours after cytarabine. Follow the labeled spacing and monitor for mucositis.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Cytarabine
Other interactions of Palifermin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cytarabine with Palifermin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cytarabine and Palifermin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Palifermin stimulates epithelial cell growth, and when given close to cytotoxic chemotherapy it was associated with more severe and longer oral mucositis. This is a concern with cytarabine, which itself causes mucosal toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Cytarabine and Palifermin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not give palifermin within 24 hours before, during, or within 24 hours after cytarabine. Follow the labeled spacing and monitor for mucositis.
What other medicines interact with Cytarabine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cytarabine with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Axicabtagene ciloleucel, Belatacept. The full list is on the Cytarabine page.
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