Plerixafor (Injection)

Introduction:

Plerixafor (pler-IX-a-fore)

Treats non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and multiple myeloma (MM). It is used together with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilization.

Brand Name(s):

Mozobil

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. This medicine should be started after you have received G-CSF (such as filgrastim, pegfilgrastim) once a day for 4 consecutive days.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, an enlarged spleen, bone marrow problems (such as leukemia), or blood disorders (such as leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia).
• Check with your doctor right away if you are having a pain in the upper left part of your abdomen or at the tip of the left shoulder. This could be a symptom of a serious side effect with the spleen.
• Tell your doctor right away if you have a slow heartbeat; severe, unusual tiredness or weakness; cold sweats; confusion; or dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position after you get the injection.
• If you develop a skin rash, hives, swelling around the eyes, shortness of breath, or any allergic reaction to this medicine, stop taking the medicine and check with your doctor right away.
• This medicine may cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain in some patients. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these side effects.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Burning, numbness, prickling, or tingling feelings.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given.
• Shortness of breath, or slow or shallow breathing.
• Swelling around the eyes.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bone, joint, or muscle pain.
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or unusually full feeling.
• Dry mouth or increased sweating.
• Headache.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: