We all know how difficult and tiring the journey of fighting cancer is. When undergoing treatment, especially when undergoing strong treatments like chemotherapy, the side effects that come with it are even more painful. One of the most common of these is mouth sores. Many people suffer from these sores, unable to eat, drink, or speak for a while. So, today we are going to talk about a special vaccine that helps prevent and treat these severe mouth sores. That is Palifermin.
Simply put, what is Palifermin?
Palifermin is a special protein made in the lab that is similar to a protein that our body produces itself. To be precise, it is an epithelial growth factor . This means that this medicine helps our skin cells, especially the delicate layer of cells (epithelial cells) that line the inside of our mouth, throat, and digestive tract, to grow and repair faster.
It is specifically used to prevent and treat severe oral mucositis caused by high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy given before an autologous stem-cell transplantation in patients with blood-related cancers. Simply put, this medicine helps to minimize and protect the delicate skin inside your mouth from the effects of aggressive cancer treatments.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you are given this Palifermin vaccine, it is important that you tell your doctor the following information. Do not hide these things, as they are very important for your safety.
- If you have an allergic reaction to Palifermin or to proteins made from the bacteria E. coli (these proteins are used to make this medicine) .
- If you are allergic to any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives .
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
This information will be used by the medical team to decide whether to give you this medicine or not, and if so, how to give it. So explain everything clearly.
How do you use this medicine?
Palifermin is not a medicine you can take home.
- This is an injection into a vein .
- It is given only in a hospital or clinic by a trained medical professional . The vaccine will be given on specific days and at specific times according to your cancer treatment plan.
- This medicine is not approved for use in children .
- If you accidentally overdose: This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are low. However, if it does happen, the medical team will be notified immediately. If you notice any unusual symptoms, let them know immediately. In our country, if you suspect poisoning, you can call the National Poisons Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital .
What to do if you miss a dose?
It is very important to get the vaccine on time for this treatment. If you are unable to keep your appointment, call your doctor or hospital immediately and let them know. They will tell you what to do next.
Special points to consider when buying
- Not suitable for other cancers: This is very important. Palifermin is only used for people with blood-related cancers (haematological malignancies) . It is not given to people with solid tumors that develop in organs such as the breast, lung, or colon. This is because the drug may help those cancer cells grow.
- For nursing mothers: Do not breastfeed your baby while taking this medicine and for at least two weeks after stopping treatment.
- Fertility: This medication may have some effect on those planning to have a child (both men and women). If you have any concerns about this, don't panic and talk to your doctor about it openly.
- Other medications: There are currently no known interactions with this medication. However, that does not mean that it will not affect you. Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Palifermin can cause some side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some of these are common, while others are serious. Let's learn more about them in the table below.
| Nature of the side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to report to the doctor or nursing staff immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Changes in the mouth | Inflammation in or around the mouth, numbness, changes in taste, changes in tongue color, thickening or enlargement of the tongue. |
| Other serious symptoms | Vision changes, fever. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Swelling | Swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands. |
| Pain and numbness | Pain and numbness in the limbs. |
| Joint pain | Joint pain. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different, please tell your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Palifermin is a special vaccine that is given to prevent and treat severe mouth sores caused by a powerful treatment for blood-related cancers.
- This medicine is only given in a hospital or clinic. It is not a medicine that can be taken home.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies you have and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms (especially allergies) while taking the medication, notify the medical team immediately.
- Please note that this medicine is not suitable for solid tumors. If in doubt, ask your doctor to confirm.
- Cancer treatment is a challenge. It will be a great relief for you to be able to talk openly with your doctor about the problems that arise during that journey, without fear.
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