What is Kepivance?
Kepivance is a human-made version of a human protein that influences the growth of cells in the mouth's tissues and the digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, esophagus, and intestines). Kepivance helps stop or heal mouth ulcers and mouth sores in those who are receiving stem cell therapy and chemotherapy. Kepivance is a treatment for patients who are receiving chemotherapy for blood cancers (Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, and leukemia). Medicine is not a cure for cancer.
Warnings
It is not recommended to use Kepivance if you are allergic to palifermin. The treatment is offered in the form of an IV (in through the vein) infusion for 3 days prior to the start of chemotherapy and for 3 days following. The infusion should not be administered to you within the first 24 hours of receiving chemotherapy treatment. Follow the instructions on your prescription label and the package. Be sure to inform your health care providers about your medical issues, allergies, and the medicines you are taking.
Before you take this drug
Kepivance is not recommended to take if you have an allergy to palifermin. Kepivance could cause the growth of tumors that aren't related to blood cancer. Discuss this with your doctor if you have a history of any kind of cancer. Palifermin could harm a newborn baby. Use effective birth control methods to avoid pregnancy, and inform your doctor if you're pregnant. Palifermin can influence fertility (your capacity to have kids), whether you are a male or female. Don't breastfeed when you are using Kepivance and for at least two weeks after the last dose. Kepivance has not been deemed safe to be used by anyone less than 1 year old.
How to take Kepivance?
Kepivance is a type of IV injection into the vein. The healthcare provider will administer the injection prior to and following the chemotherapy treatment. The injections you receive are scheduled to occur at specific intervals in your treatment. Be sure to follow the instructions of your doctor on when to take each of the injections. Kepivance should not be administered within 24 hours prior to the time you are given the chemotherapy.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Mucositis:
60 mcg/kg IV daily for 6 doses The doses are administered on consecutive days for three consecutive days prior to and three consecutive days following myelotoxic therapy.
Prior to starting myelotoxic therapy, apply the third dose no more than 24 to 48 hours prior to the initiation of the myelotoxic treatment.
After myelotoxic therapy, give the first dose no later than 4 days following the latest Kepivance administration and the day following the infusion of hematopoietic stem cells.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Consult your physician for the proper procedure in the event that you don't make an appointment to receive the Kepivance injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Because this medication is administered by a health expert in a medical environment, it is highly unlikely for an overdose to occur.
What should be avoided?
Follow the instructions of your physician regarding any restrictions on your food, drink, or activity.
Side effects of Kepivance
See a doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms that indicate an allergy reaction. Kepivance, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue. Contact your doctor immediately if you are suffering from:
- Blurred vision blurred vision pain or seeing halos of light.
Common side effects of Kepivance include:
- Fever.
- Redness or swelling on your skin.
- Itching, rash.
- Atypical blood test.
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Other medicines can interfere with palifermin. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, such as vitamins and herbal products. Inform all of your health professionals about the medicines you take now and about any medication that you decide to stop or begin taking.
