Drug interactions
Docetaxel + Palifermin
Severity: Major
Docetaxel 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 proliferation, and giving it near cytotoxic chemotherapy has worsened the severity and duration of oral mucositis. Proliferating mucosal cells are more vulnerable to chemotherapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Docetaxel 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.
Docetaxel belongs to Oncology; Palifermin belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Palifermin-induced mucosal proliferation increases sensitivity to cytotoxic chemotherapy.
What to do
Do not give palifermin within 24 hours before, during infusion of, or within 24 hours after docetaxel. Follow labeled timing around the chemotherapy cycle.
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 Docetaxel
Other interactions of Palifermin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Docetaxel with Palifermin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Docetaxel 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 proliferation, and giving it near cytotoxic chemotherapy has worsened the severity and duration of oral mucositis. Proliferating mucosal cells are more vulnerable to chemotherapy.
How serious is the interaction between Docetaxel 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 infusion of, or within 24 hours after docetaxel. Follow labeled timing around the chemotherapy cycle.
What other medicines interact with Docetaxel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Docetaxel with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Atazanavir, Belatacept. The full list is on the Docetaxel page.
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