Drug interactions
Melphalan + Palifermin
Severity: Major
Melphalan 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 has been associated with worse oral mucositis. Timing relative to melphalan is therefore important.
What this interaction means in plain words
Melphalan 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.
Melphalan belongs to Oncology; Palifermin belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Palifermin-driven epithelial proliferation increases susceptibility of mucosal cells to cytotoxic chemotherapy.
What to do
Do not give palifermin within 24 hours before, during, or within 24 hours after melphalan. Follow the labeled scheduling for the specific conditioning regimen.
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 Melphalan
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Melphalan Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Melphalan Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Melphalan Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Melphalan Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine + Melphalan Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Melphalan Contraindicated
Other interactions of Palifermin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Melphalan with Palifermin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Melphalan 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 has been associated with worse oral mucositis. Timing relative to melphalan is therefore important.
How serious is the interaction between Melphalan 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 melphalan. Follow the labeled scheduling for the specific conditioning regimen.
What other medicines interact with Melphalan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Melphalan with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg vaccine live, Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal. The full list is on the Melphalan page.
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