Health Library

Plerixafor (By injection)

Plerixafor (pler-IX-a-fore)

Prepares blood for a stem cell transplant as part of the treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma or multiple myeloma.

Brand Name(s):

Mozobil

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Your doctor will give you filgrastim once a day for 4 days before receiving this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting treatment. Male and female patients should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or leukemia.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Low blood pressure, which may lead to shock
  • Enlarged spleen, which could burst
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Pain in the left upper stomach or around the left shoulder
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Joint or muscle pain
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

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

Last Updated: 9/6/2024