Plerixafor Subcutaneous Advanced Patient Information - Drugs.com

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# Plerixafor (Subcutaneous)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 24, 2022.

## Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

- Mozobil

Available Dosage Forms:

- Solution

Therapeutic Class: Hematopoietic

## Uses for plerixafor

Plerixafor injection is used together with a granulocyte-colony stimulating factor or G-CSF (eg, filgrastim, pegfilgrastim) to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) for collection and transplantation in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and multiple myeloma (MM).

Plerixafor is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

## Before using plerixafor

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For plerixafor, the following should be considered:

### Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to plerixafor or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

### Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of plerixafor injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

### Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of plerixafor injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving plerixafor.

### Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

### Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

### Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

### Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of plerixafor. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

- Bone marrow cancer or other bone marrow problems (eg, leukemia) or
- Enlarged spleen or
- Leukocytosis (high white blood cell count) or
- Thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

- Kidney disease, moderate or severe—Use with caution. The effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body.

## Related/similar drugs

Darzalex, methotrexate, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, Revlimid, Rituxan, Imbruvica

## Proper use of plerixafor

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you plerixafor in a medical facility. It is given as a shot under your skin.

Plerixafor injection should be started after you have received a G-CSF medicine (eg, filgrastim, pegfilgrastim) for 4 days.

Detailed Plerixafor dosage information

## Precautions while using plerixafor

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure plerixafor is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using plerixafor while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose. If a pregnancy occurs while you are using plerixafor, tell your doctor right away.

Plerixafor may enlarge your spleen, which could possibly burst. Check with your doctor right away if you have pain in the upper left part of your stomach or at the tip of your left shoulder.

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.

Plerixafor may cause a serious allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after receiving plerixafor.

Plerixafor may cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain in some patients. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these side effects.

## Plerixafor side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

- Bleeding gums
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- collection of blood under the skin
- coughing up blood
- deep, dark purple bruise
- difficulty in breathing or swallowing
- dizziness
- feeling of heat
- flushing, redness of the skin
- hard lump
- headache
- hives or welts, itching, skin rash
- increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
- irritation
- nosebleeds
- pain
- paralysis
- prolonged bleeding from cuts
- red or black, tarry stools
- red or dark brown urine
- swelling
- unusually warm skin

Rare

- Chills
- cold sweats
- confusion
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
- fainting
- fast heartbeat
- swelling around the eyes
- tightness in the chest
- weakness

Incidence not known

- Cough
- feeling of fullness
- pain in the left upper stomach or around the left shoulder
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- stomach pain
- unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

- Bloated feeling
- diarrhea
- difficulty in moving
- excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels
- muscle pain or stiffness
- nausea
- pain in the joints
- passing gas
- trouble sleeping
- vomiting

Less common

- Belching
- bone pain
- difficulty having a bowel movement
- dry mouth
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- heartburn
- increased sweating
- indigestion
- pressure in the stomach
- stomach discomfort or upset
- swelling of the abdominal or stomach area

Incidence not known

- Abnormal dreams and nightmares

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Plerixafor side effects (more detail)

## More about plerixafor

- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: hematopoietic stem cell mobilizer
- En español

### Patient resources

- Drug Information

#### Other brands

Mozobil

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Multiple Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer