Drug interactions
Doxorubicin + Palifermin
Severity: Major
Doxorubicin 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 given close to cytotoxic chemotherapy has been associated with more severe and longer oral mucositis, likely because it stimulates proliferation of epithelial cells that make them more vulnerable to the drug.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxorubicin 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.
Doxorubicin belongs to Oncology; Palifermin belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Palifermin stimulates epithelial cell proliferation, sensitizing mucosal cells to cytotoxic damage.
What to do
Do not give palifermin within 24 hours before, during, or within 24 hours after doxorubicin. Follow the labeled scheduling.
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 Doxorubicin
Other interactions of Palifermin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Doxorubicin with Palifermin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Doxorubicin 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 given close to cytotoxic chemotherapy has been associated with more severe and longer oral mucositis, likely because it stimulates proliferation of epithelial cells that make them more vulnerable to the drug.
How serious is the interaction between Doxorubicin 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 doxorubicin. Follow the labeled scheduling.
What other medicines interact with Doxorubicin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Doxorubicin with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Belatacept, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Doxorubicin page.
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