Description
Plerixafor Uses:
Plerixafor, a hematopoietic stem cell mobilizer, is used in combination with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to the peripheral blood for collection and subsequent autologous transplantation in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (nHL) and multiple myeloma (MM).
Dosage:
Start treatment with Plerixafor after the patient has received G-CSF (10 micrograms/kg) once daily for 4 days. Administer Plerixafor approximately 11 hours prior to initiation of each apheresis for up to four consecutive days. The proposed dose of Plerixafor by subcutaneous injection is typically based on the body weight
- 20 mg fixed dose or 0.24 mg per kg of body weight for individuals weighing less than or equal to 83 kg.
- 0.24 mg per kg of body weight for individuals weighing beyond 83 kg.
Side Effects:
The most commonly reported side effects due to Plerixafor include:- diarrhea
- nausea
- fatigue
- headache
- arthralgia
- dizziness
- vomiting
- injection site reactions
Warnings and Precautions:
- Plerixafor is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to it. Anaphylactic shock has occurred with use of this medicine. Assess patients for signs/symptoms of hypersensitivity during and after administration of Plerixafor for at least 30 minutes and until clinically stable after the completion of each administration.
- For the intent of HSC mobilization, Plerixafor 24 mg injection may cause mobilization of leukemic cells and subsequent contamination of the apheresis product. Therefore, this medicine is not for HSC mobilization and harvest in patients with leukemia.
- Use of Plerixafor injection in conjunction with G-CSF may be responsible for increasing the circulating leukocytes as well as HSC populations. Monitor white blood cell (WBC) counts during the use of Plerixafor.
- Thrombocytopenia has been observed and may occur in patients receiving Plerixafor. Evaluate platelet counts in all patients who receive this medicinal product and then undergo apheresis.
- When injection Plerixafor is used along with G-CSF for HSC mobilization, tumor cells may be released from the marrow and subsequently collected in the leukapheresis product. The effect of risk of reinfusion of tumor cells has not been well-studied.
- Cases of splenic enlargement or rupture have been noted following the use of plerixafor injection 20 mg/ml along with growth factor G-CSF. Assess individuals receiving this medicine along with G-CSF who report left upper abdominal pain or shoulder pain for splenic integrity.
- Findings from animal reproduction studies suggest that plerixafor can cause fetal harm if used by a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive age to consider an effective form of contraception during treatment with plerixafor and for 7 days after the final dose.
- Due to the potential serious adverse reactions in the breastfed child, females should avoid breastfeeding during treatment with plerixafor and for at least one week (7 days) after the final dose.
