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Home > Drug Category > Cancer Medications > Mozobil and Equivalent

Mozobil Information

Mozobil (Plerixafor) is a relatively specialized medication that plays a critical role in preparing patients for certain types of cancer treatments. It is primarily used in combination with G-CSF (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into the peripheral blood for collection in individuals undergoing autologous stem cell transplants. It is particularly helpful for those with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and multiple myeloma who have had an inadequate response to other mobilization therapies, such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). The active ingredient in Mozobil is plerixafor, which is a small-molecule drug that acts as a CXCR4 antagonist. It belongs to the class of drugs known as stem cell mobilizers.

Conditions like multiple myeloma (a cancer of plasma cells) and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (a cancer of the lymphatic system) often require very high doses of chemotherapy to kill the cancer cells. Unfortunately, these intense treatments also destroy the patient’s healthy bone marrow, which is responsible for making blood cells. To solve this, doctors perform an autologous stem cell transplant where they harvest the patient's own healthy stem cells before the heavy chemotherapy starts, freeze them, and then re-infuse them afterward to rescue the bone marrow. Mozobil helps in this process by ensuring that a sufficient number of stem cells move into the blood for collection. It works by blocking the CXCR4 receptor on hematopoietic stem cells, which are primarily located in the bone marrow. This inhibition causes the stem cells to be released into the bloodstream, making them easier to collect for transplantation. For many patients, standard drugs (like G-CSF) don't move enough cells on their own. Mozobil acts as a booster to ensure the transplant team achieves the yield they need to proceed safely with cancer treatment. It should, however, be noted that this medication is not recommended for stem cell mobilization and collection in individuals with leukaemia (cancer of the blood or bone marrow). Mozobil may also be used in children (1 year and older) with lymphoma or solid tumors who have too few stem cells in the blood to collect enough for a successful stem cell transplant.

Mozobil Side Effects

Like other medications, plerixafor can cause some side effects. Common side effects of this medication include abnormal dreams or nightmares, anxiety, bruising, swelling or pain at the injection site, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, excessive sweating, feeling tired, feeling unwell, gas, headache, heartburn, joint pain, muscle and bone pain, nausea, skin redness, stuffy or runny nose, sweating, and poor sleep. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Anemia (low red blood cells) with symptoms such as dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness;
• Bleeding problems such as unusual nosebleeds, bruising, and blood in urine;
• Heart problems with symptoms like chest pain, nausea and vomiting, sweating;
• Pain in the upper left abdomen or tip of the shoulder;
• Severe diarrhea;
• Signs of infection such as fever or chills, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Mozobil Precautions

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to plerixafor, other ingredients in Mozobil, or any other medicines. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Blood count disorders, such as low blood count;
• Electrolyte imbalance;
• Heart disease;
• Kidney disease;
• Low blood pressure

Your doctor may perform regular blood tests to monitor your blood cell count while on this medication. You may experience dizziness and lightheadedness when taking this medication, especially when rising from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly from sitting or lying down can help reduce the severity of this side effect. Also, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery and other hazardous tasks until you have determined how this medication affects you. Mozobil is generally not recommended during pregnancy. Based on its mechanism of action and animal studies, it is considered highly likely to cause fetal harm or congenital malformations. Women of childbearing potential taking this medication must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least one week after the final dose. It is not known whether plerixafor is excreted into human breast milk. However, due to the risk of serious adverse reactions in a nursing infant, guidelines advise against breastfeeding during treatment and for one week after the last dose. This medication is not recommended for use in children younger than 1 year.

Interestingly, there are no known major drug-drug interactions that have been formally identified. The liver's enzyme system doesn't metabolize Plerixafor, so it typically doesn't interfere with how other drugs are processed. However, because it is eliminated from the body through the kidneys, medications that significantly reduce kidney function or could theoretically increase Mozobil levels in your system. Therefore, before using this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine whether it is safe to use with Mozobil. Mozobil is available as a solution that is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection into the abdomen or thigh by a qualified healthcare professional in a hospital or similar setting, about 6 to 11 hours before the apheresis session begins. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for you depending on your weight and other factors. Your doctor will monitor your blood counts daily to ensure the stem cell yield meets the necessary threshold for transplant. Store this medication at room temperature away from children and pets. Ensure you use this medication immediately after opening the vial.

Do I need a prescription to order Mozobil?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Mozobil.