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Overview: Aphexda is used in people with a type of cancer called multiple myeloma who will get 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 pain from the injection, itching, and flushing. Tell your health care provider right away if you get any unusual symptoms when you get Aphexda or shortly thereafter.

Uses

What is Aphexda used for?

Aphexda (motixafortide) is commonly used in people with multiple myeloma who will be receiving an autologous stem cell transplant. This is a type of transplant where your own stem cells are collected and later transplanted back into your body.

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

How does Aphexda work (mechanism of action)?

Hematopoietic stem cells are cells in your body that can turn into different types of blood cells. Aphexda 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 Aphexda supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Aphexda

Dosage forms and strengths

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

How should I store Aphexda?

Aphexda 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 Aphexda?

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

  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness from the injection
  • Itching
  • Flushing
  • Back pain

There may be other side effects of Aphexda 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. 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 Aphexda?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Aphexda may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. You may get other medicines before your dose of Aphexda 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

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Aphexda?

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

  • Aphexda
  • Motixafortide
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Aphexda.

What should I know about Aphexda before using it?

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

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

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

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 Aphexda is right for you.

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

Leukemia. Tell your health care provider if you have leukemia as this medicine may cause release of cancer cells from your bone marrow.

Pregnancy. Aphexda 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 Aphexda and for eight days after your final dose. If you become pregnant, tell your health care provider right away.

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

How can I get more information about Aphexda?

For more information about Aphexda, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.aphexda.com or call them at 866-524-6546.

Interactions

Does Aphexda interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Aphexda.

Does Aphexda interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Aphexda 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 Aphexda?

If you or someone else has used too much Aphexda, 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 Aphexda?

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

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