Drug interactions
Paclitaxel + Palifermin
Severity: Major
Paclitaxel 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 giving it close to cytotoxic chemotherapy has worsened the severity and duration of oral mucositis. Rapidly dividing mucosal cells become more susceptible to chemotherapy damage.
What this interaction means in plain words
Paclitaxel 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.
Paclitaxel belongs to Oncology; Palifermin belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Palifermin-induced proliferation of mucosal epithelium increases its sensitivity to cytotoxic chemotherapy.
What to do
Do not give palifermin within 24 hours before, during infusion of, or within 24 hours after paclitaxel. Schedule it at least 24 hours before the start of the chemotherapy cycle and after the post-chemotherapy interval, per labeling.
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 Paclitaxel
Other interactions of Palifermin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Paclitaxel with Palifermin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Paclitaxel 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 giving it close to cytotoxic chemotherapy has worsened the severity and duration of oral mucositis. Rapidly dividing mucosal cells become more susceptible to chemotherapy damage.
How serious is the interaction between Paclitaxel 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 paclitaxel. Schedule it at least 24 hours before the start of the chemotherapy cycle and after the post-chemotherapy interval, per labeling.
What other medicines interact with Paclitaxel?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Paclitaxel with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Cobicistat, Cyclosporine. The full list is on the Paclitaxel page.
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