Drug interactions
Palifermin + Topotecan
Severity: Major
Palifermin and Topotecan: 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 growth of epithelial cells, including rapidly dividing mucosal cells. If given close in time to cytotoxic chemotherapy, it may sensitize these cells to damage and worsen the severity and duration of oral mucositis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Palifermin and Topotecan 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 belongs to Miscellaneous; Topotecan belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Palifermin-induced epithelial proliferation increases susceptibility of mucosal cells to the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy when given in close temporal proximity.
What to do
Do not give palifermin within 24 hours before, during, or within 24 hours after topotecan. Schedule palifermin outside this window as 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 Topotecan
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Topotecan Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Topotecan Major
- Cisplatin + Topotecan Major
- Cobicistat + Topotecan Major
- Cyclosporine + Topotecan Major
- Cyclosporin + Topotecan Major
Other interactions of Palifermin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Palifermin with Topotecan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Palifermin and Topotecan 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 growth of epithelial cells, including rapidly dividing mucosal cells. If given close in time to cytotoxic chemotherapy, it may sensitize these cells to damage and worsen the severity and duration of oral mucositis.
How serious is the interaction between Palifermin and Topotecan?
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 topotecan. Schedule palifermin outside this window as per labeling.
What other medicines interact with Topotecan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Topotecan with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Amiodarone, Cisplatin. The full list is on the Topotecan page.
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