Mozobil

Generic Name: plerixafor (pler IX a fore)

What is Mozobil?

Mozobil works by helping your bone marrow release stem cells into your bloodstream so they can be collected and transplanted back into the body.

Mozobil is used in people with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or multiple myeloma.

Mozobil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Mozobil

Do not receive Mozobil without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. You should not receive Mozobil if you are allergic to plerixafor, or if you have leukemia.

Before you take Mozobil, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.

Mozobil is given as an injection in a hospital or clinic setting.

Before receiving Mozobil, you will be given another medication that will help your bone marrow produce stem cells and certain white blood cells that help support your immune system.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking Mozobil?

You should not receive Mozobil if you are allergic to plerixafor, or if you have leukemia.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take Mozobil, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.

FDA pregnancy category D. Mozobil can cause harm to an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Before you receive Mozobil, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether plerixafor passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is Mozobil given?

Mozobil is given as an injection under the skin. You will receive this injection in a hospital or clinic setting.

Before receiving Mozobil, you will be given a medication called a granulocyte (GRAN-yoo-loe-site) colony stimulating factor, also called G-CSF. Some examples of a G-CSF are filgrastim (Neupogen), pegfilgrastim (Neulasta), and sargramostim (Leukine).

A G-CSF will cause your bone marrow to produce stem cells and certain white blood cells called granulocytes, which help support your immune system.

Mozobil works together with the G-CSF by causing stem cells and granulocytes produced in the bone marrow to circulate into your blood stream where they can be collected in blood drawn from your vein.

After your blood is drawn, it will be processed so that the needed stem cells and granulocytes can be separated from other unneeded parts of the blood. These stem cells and granulocytes will then be “transplanted” back into your vein through an IV injection.

To be sure Mozobil is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often during your treatment.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because you will receive Mozobil in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose with Mozobil is not likely to occur because this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting.

Overdose symptoms may include stomach discomfort, severe dizziness, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Mozobil?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are receiving Mozobil.

Mozobil side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

feeling like you might pass out; or

pain in your upper stomach, spreading to your shoulder or back.

Less serious Mozobil side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting;

diarrhea, constipation;

dry mouth, numbness in or around your mouth;

upset stomach, bloating, gas;

tired feeling, trouble sleeping;

headache, dizziness;

joint or muscle pain;

increased sweating; or

itching, rash, or other irritation where the medication was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Mozobil?

There may be other drugs that can interact with Mozobil. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.