Drug interactions
Palifermin + Pemetrexed
Severity: Moderate
Palifermin and Pemetrexed: 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 chemotherapy it has been associated with more severe and longer-lasting oral mucositis. Dosing near pemetrexed could therefore worsen mucosal toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Palifermin and Pemetrexed 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 belongs to Miscellaneous; Pemetrexed belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Palifermin-stimulated epithelial proliferation may sensitize rapidly dividing mucosal cells to cytotoxic antimetabolite damage.
What to do
Do not give palifermin within 24 hours before, during or within 24 hours after pemetrexed. Monitor for mucositis.
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 Pemetrexed
Other interactions of Palifermin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Palifermin with Pemetrexed?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Palifermin and Pemetrexed 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 chemotherapy it has been associated with more severe and longer-lasting oral mucositis. Dosing near pemetrexed could therefore worsen mucosal toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Palifermin and Pemetrexed?
MediHelp rates it moderate, 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 pemetrexed. Monitor for mucositis.
What other medicines interact with Pemetrexed?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pemetrexed with, for example, Bacitracin, Brexucabtagene autoleucel, Celecoxib. The full list is on the Pemetrexed page.
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