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Overview: Plerixafor is used in people with a type of cancer called multiple myeloma or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who will be getting an infusion of their own stem cells during a transplant procedure. This medicine works by helping to move stem cells from your bone marrow to your bloodstream, so they can be collected and used for your stem cell transplant. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and tiredness. Tell your health care provider right away if you get shoulder or belly pain.

Uses

What is plerixafor used for?

Plerixafor is commonly used in people with multiple myeloma or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who will be receiving an autologous stem cell transplant. This is a type of transplant where your own stem cells are collected and then transplanted back into your body. 

Plerixafor may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does plerixafor work (mechanism of action)?

Hematopoietic stem cells are cells in your body that can turn into different types of blood cells. Plerixafor works by blocking certain receptors in your body that normally cause hematopoietic stem cells to stay in your bone marrow. This medicine allows these hematopoietic stem cells to move from your bone marrow to your bloodstream, so they can be collected by your health care provider and used for your stem cell transplant.

How is plerixafor supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Mozobil

Dosage forms and strengths

Plerixafor is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store plerixafor?

Plerixafor is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of plerixafor?

The most common side effects of plerixafor are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea, gas, or stomach pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Tiredness
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
  • Headache
  • Joint pain
  • Dizziness

There may be other side effects of plerixafor that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of plerixafor?

While less common, the most serious side effects of plerixafor are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Plerixafor may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Your health care provider will likely give you other medicines before your dose of plerixafor to prevent allergic reactions. Tell your health care provider or get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Severely Low Platelet Levels. Plerixafor can cause you to have a severely low number of platelets in your blood, also called thrombocytopenia. Platelets help to form blood clots. Having a low level of platelets may increase your risk of bleeding. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of low platelet levels.

  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Bleeding that does not stop
  • Nosebleeds

Ruptured Spleen. Your spleen is an organ in your belly on the left side of your rib cage. Plerixafor can cause your spleen to rupture, or tear. Ruptured spleen is a medical emergency. It can cause blood loss. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of ruptured spleen.

  • Pain or tenderness on the left side of your abdomen under your rib cage
  • Left shoulder pain
  • Light-headedness, dizziness, or confusion
  • Low blood pressure

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use plerixafor?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use plerixafor.

  • Mozobil
  • Plerixafor
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific plerixafor products they stock.

What should I know about plerixafor before using it?

Plerixafor is injected under the skin by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

Your health care provider will likely test your blood while you are being treated with plerixafor. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked.

If you can get your partner pregnant, use birth control during treatment with plerixafor and for one week after your final dose.

What should I tell my health care provider before using plerixafor?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if plerixafor is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Leukemia
  • Kidney problems

Pregnancy. Plerixafor may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you can become pregnant, use birth control during treatment with plerixafor and for one week after your final dose. If you become pregnant, tell your health care provider right away.

Breastfeeding. Do not use plerixafor while you are breastfeeding and for one week after your final dose. It is not known if plerixafor passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does plerixafor interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between plerixafor and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect plerixafor.

Does plerixafor interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between plerixafor and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much plerixafor?

If you or someone else has used too much plerixafor, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of plerixafor?

Plerixafor is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving plerixafor as scheduled.

If you miss an appointment to get your plerixafor dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.

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