Drug interactions
Erlotinib + Palifermin
Severity: Moderate
Erlotinib and Palifermin: moderate 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 therapy has worsened the severity and duration of oral mucositis. This caution applies to antineoplastic agents generally, and erlotinib's specific effect is not established.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erlotinib and Palifermin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Erlotinib belongs to Oncology; Palifermin belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Palifermin-driven epithelial proliferation may increase sensitivity of mucosal tissue to antineoplastic agents; not specifically established for erlotinib.
What to do
Separate palifermin from cytotoxic therapy by at least 24 hours before and after as labeled. Monitor the oral mucosa if the drugs are used in the same period.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Erlotinib
- Amobarbital + Erlotinib Major
- Apalutamide + Erlotinib Major
- Carbamazepine + Erlotinib Major
- Cobicistat + Erlotinib Major
- Darunavir + Erlotinib Major
- Dexlansoprazole + Erlotinib Major
Other interactions of Palifermin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erlotinib with Palifermin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erlotinib and Palifermin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Palifermin stimulates epithelial cell growth and when given close to cytotoxic therapy has worsened the severity and duration of oral mucositis. This caution applies to antineoplastic agents generally, and erlotinib's specific effect is not established.
How serious is the interaction between Erlotinib and Palifermin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Separate palifermin from cytotoxic therapy by at least 24 hours before and after as labeled. Monitor the oral mucosa if the drugs are used in the same period.
What other medicines interact with Erlotinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Erlotinib with, for example, Amobarbital, Apalutamide, Carbamazepine. The full list is on the Erlotinib page.
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