An injection that helps collect stem cells for transplant
Plerixafor
A specialist injection that helps move stem cells from the bone marrow into the blood for collection before a transplant.
What is Plerixafor?
Plerixafor is a specialist injection used to help collect stem cells before a transplant. It works by moving stem cells out of the bone marrow and into the bloodstream, where they can be collected, and it is used together with another medicine called G-CSF. It is given under the skin, usually the evening before collection. The most common side effects are reactions where the injection is given and tummy upset such as diarrhoea, and rarely the spleen can enlarge. It is used only under a specialist transplant team.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Plerixafor — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Plerixafor is a specialist medicine used in people who are due to have a stem-cell transplant, to help collect enough of their own stem cells beforehand. Stem cells normally sit in the bone marrow, and plerixafor helps move them into the bloodstream so they can be collected through a process a bit like giving blood. It is given as an injection under the skin and is used together with another medicine, G-CSF, which also helps mobilise the cells. It is used in conditions such as certain blood cancers and is prescribed and supervised by a specialist transplant team.
How it works
Stem cells are held in the bone marrow by a signal that keeps them anchored there. Plerixafor blocks that signal, which releases the stem cells so they move out of the marrow and into the bloodstream. Once they are circulating in the blood, they can be collected ready for a transplant. It is used alongside G-CSF, which boosts the number of stem cells, so the two together increase the chance of collecting enough cells in fewer sessions. Because the released cells are collected the next day, plerixafor is usually given the evening before each collection.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A specialist injection used in the UK to help move stem cells from the bone marrow into the blood so they can be collected before a transplant.
Practical use
How to take Plerixafor
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given as an injection under the skin by the transplant team, usually the evening before each stem-cell collection.
- It is used together with G-CSF as part of the plan to collect enough stem cells.
- Attend all the scheduled collection sessions, as more than one may be needed to gather enough cells.
- Report any pain in the upper left tummy or the left shoulder promptly, as this can be a sign of spleen enlargement.
- Tell the team about any tummy upset or injection-site reactions so they can support you.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Plerixafor
Advantages
- Helps move stem cells into the blood so enough can be collected for a transplant.
- Used together with G-CSF to improve the chance of a successful collection.
- Can reduce the number of collection sessions needed in some people.
Disadvantages
- Commonly causes injection-site reactions and tummy upset such as diarrhoea and nausea.
- Can rarely cause the spleen to enlarge, which needs prompt attention.
- A specialist medicine used only as part of transplant preparation under close supervision.
Practical use
Good to know
The key thing to understand is that plerixafor is part of the preparation for a stem-cell transplant: its job is to help collect enough of your own stem cells, not to treat the underlying condition itself. It is given together with G-CSF and timed so that collection happens the next day. The most common side effects are reactions where the injection is given, such as redness or itching, and tummy upset, particularly diarrhoea and nausea. A rare but important risk is enlargement of the spleen, so any pain in the upper left side of the tummy or the left shoulder should be reported promptly. The specialist team plans the timing, monitors blood counts and the number of collected cells, and watches for these effects.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to plerixafor should not use it.
- It is used with care in people with kidney problems, who may need a different plan.
- It is used with caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding, under specialist guidance.
- It should only be used under a specialist transplant team that monitors blood counts and the spleen.
Monitoring
- Checking blood counts and the number of stem cells in the blood and collected.
- Watching for signs of spleen enlargement, such as upper left tummy or shoulder-tip pain.
- Reviewing kidney function and any side effects during treatment.
Side effects
- Redness, itching or discomfort where the injection is given.
- Diarrhoea, nausea, wind or other tummy upset.
- Tiredness, headache, dizziness or joint and muscle aches.
- Rarely, enlargement of the spleen or allergic-type reactions, which need urgent attention.
Key interactions
- It is used alongside G-CSF as part of the stem-cell collection plan.
- There are few well-established routine medicine interactions, but tell the team about all your medicines.
- Other treatments for the underlying condition are timed around the collection by the specialist team.
Available as: A solution for injection under the skin.
Answers
Plerixafor: frequently asked questions
What is plerixafor used for?
It is used to help collect stem cells before a transplant, by moving them from the bone marrow into the bloodstream where they can be collected.
Is it used on its own?
No. It is used together with another medicine called G-CSF, and the two together improve the chance of collecting enough stem cells.
When is it given?
It is given as an injection under the skin, usually the evening before each stem-cell collection, so the cells are ready to collect the next day.
What is the warning sign about the spleen?
Rarely the spleen can enlarge, so report any pain in the upper left side of your tummy or in your left shoulder promptly.
Does it treat my condition?
No. Its job is to help collect your stem cells for a transplant; it does not treat the underlying condition itself.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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