What is Kepivance?
Kepivance is the brand name for palifermin, a medication that helps protect and heal the mouth and throat lining. It is used to reduce oral mucositis (painful mouth sores) in people receiving certain cancer treatments, such as chemoradiation for head and neck cancers or other high-dose therapy settings that cause severe mucosal injury. [1]
When is palifermin used, and for which patients?
Palifermin is used to reduce the severity and duration of oral mucositis related to cancer therapy. In practice, it is prescribed for patients whose treatment is expected to cause significant mouth sores, often in regimens that include high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation affecting the head and neck area. [1]
How is Kepivance given?
Kepivance is administered by healthcare staff as an injection (given around the time of chemotherapy/radiation as prescribed). The exact schedule depends on the cancer treatment plan being used. [1]
What side effects do people commonly report?
Common side effects associated with palifermin can include mouth and throat-related effects (given its role in the mucosa) and other general treatment-related reactions. The full side effect profile depends on the individual and the cancer regimen. [1]
What risks or cautions should patients know about?
The key cautions are tied to its use in cancer-supportive care and the patient’s overall treatment plan. Side effects and risks should be reviewed with the oncology team because they depend on the chemotherapy/radiation regimen and the patient’s condition. [1]
Who makes Kepivance / palifermin?
Kepivance is marketed as palifermin under the Kepivance brand. Product availability can vary by country and healthcare system. [1]
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Sources
[1] https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/kepivance-3517978.html