Type of medicine: stem cell mobilizer
Generic and brand names: plerixafor, injection; Mozobil
This medicine is used to help increase the number of blood stem cells before a bone marrow transplant. It is given by injection (shots) to people who have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or multiple myeloma. It is used with another medicine called a granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). When used with G-CSF, this medicine boosts the number of stem cells released from the bone marrow into the blood stream.
This medicine may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine.
These shots are given by your healthcare provider.
You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
You may have mild fever, chills, and muscle aches when you first start receiving this medicine. These side effects usually get better with time. Ask your healthcare provider how to deal with them.
You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help. Also, drinking alcohol may make it worse. Do not drink alcohol unless your healthcare provider approves. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert and thinking clearly.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fast heartbeat, unusual weakness or tiredness.
Other: Muscle or joint pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, dizziness, trouble sleeping, swelling or redness at injection site, tiredness.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.
Do not share medicines with other people.
