Plerixafor 24mg/1.2ml Inj, 1.2ml

Plerixafor is a CXCR4 chemokine receptor antagonist. It blocks the binding of stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha (SDF-1α) to the CXCR4 receptor. This blockade leads to the rapid mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from the bone marrow into the peripheral blood, where they can be collected by apheresis.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. Immediately contact your doctor or seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Severe dizziness or fainting
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Left upper stomach pain or shoulder pain, which may indicate an enlarged spleen that could potentially rupture

Other Possible Side Effects

As with any medication, you may experience side effects. While many people have no side effects or only mild ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor or seek medical help if you experience any of the following side effects or if they persist or bother you:

Dizziness, fatigue, or weakness
Headache
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Nausea or vomiting
Gas
Joint pain
Irritation at the injection site
Trouble sleeping

Reporting Side Effects

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor can provide medical advice on managing side effects.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
If you have been diagnosed with leukemia.
If you are breastfeeding. Note that you should not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 1 week after your last dose.

This medication may interact with other medications or health conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:

All prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
Your existing health problems

Your doctor will help you determine whether it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. To minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, stand up slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, and exercise caution when climbing stairs.

Regular blood tests and other laboratory assessments should be conducted as directed by your doctor to monitor your condition.

This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Therefore, a pregnancy test will be performed before initiating treatment to confirm that you are not pregnant. If you or your partner are of childbearing potential, it is crucial to use effective birth control methods during treatment and for a specified period after the last dose. Consult your doctor to determine the recommended duration of birth control use. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, notify your doctor immediately.

• Myelosuppressive agents (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation therapy): Plerixafor is used in conjunction with G-CSF, which can cause myelosuppression. Concurrent use with other myelosuppressive agents should be carefully considered due to additive effects.

• Injection site reactions (erythema, swelling, pain)
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain)
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Arthralgia
• Pericardial effusion (rare, serious)
• Splenomegaly/splenic rupture (rare, serious, especially with G-CSF)

Plerixafor is Pregnancy Category D. It can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for one week after the final dose.

It is not known whether Plerixafor is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with Plerixafor and for one week after the final dose.

Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients. Limited data suggest similar pharmacokinetics to adults, but specific dosing recommendations are not available. Use in pediatric patients should be considered only in clinical trials or compassionate use programs.

No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly patients (≥65 years) and younger patients. No dose adjustment is required based on age alone, but renal function should be assessed as elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function.

• Plerixafor is typically used in combination with G-CSF for stem cell mobilization.
• The timing of Plerixafor administration (approximately 11 hours prior to apheresis) is crucial for optimal stem cell collection.
• Monitor CD34+ cell counts closely to determine the optimal day(s) for apheresis and the duration of Plerixafor treatment.
• Patients should be well-hydrated before and during mobilization.
• Educate patients on the importance of reporting any severe abdominal pain, as splenic rupture is a rare but serious complication, especially when used with G-CSF.

• Alternative mobilization strategies for poor mobilizers may include higher doses of G-CSF, or alternative chemotherapy regimens followed by G-CSF.

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe use, never share your medication with others, and do not take medication prescribed for someone else. Store all medications in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly; do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional. If you are unsure about the correct disposal method, consult your pharmacist, who can also inform you about potential drug take-back programs in your area. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, which your pharmacist can provide. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately contact your local poison control center or seek medical attention. Be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.