Drug interactions
Fluorouracil + Palifermin
Severity: Major
Fluorouracil 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 proliferation, and when given close to cytotoxic chemotherapy it can make rapidly dividing mucosal cells more vulnerable. Giving it within 24 hours of fluorouracil has been associated with worse and longer oral mucositis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Fluorouracil 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.
Fluorouracil belongs to Oncology; Palifermin belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Palifermin-induced epithelial proliferation increases sensitivity of mucosal cells to S-phase-active chemotherapy.
What to do
Do not give palifermin within 24 hours before, during, or within 24 hours after fluorouracil; schedule it per labeling around the chemotherapy.
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 Fluorouracil
Other interactions of Palifermin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Fluorouracil with Palifermin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Fluorouracil 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 proliferation, and when given close to cytotoxic chemotherapy it can make rapidly dividing mucosal cells more vulnerable. Giving it within 24 hours of fluorouracil has been associated with worse and longer oral mucositis.
How serious is the interaction between Fluorouracil 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 fluorouracil; schedule it per labeling around the chemotherapy.
What other medicines interact with Fluorouracil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Fluorouracil with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Axicabtagene ciloleucel, Belatacept. The full list is on the Fluorouracil page.
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