What Is Mozobil Used For?

Mozobil is a specialized medication that helps release blood stem cells from your bone marrow into your bloodstream, making them available for collection and future transplantation.

Primary Uses

Mozobil is used to improve the release or ‘mobilization’ of blood stem cells into your bloodstream, allowing their collection by apheresis. These collected stem cells are then frozen and stored until they are transplanted back to you when needed to regenerate your bone marrow and blood.

How It Works

Mozobil is a targeted and reversible blocker of a receptor present on blood stem cells. This receptor normally ‘ties’ blood stem cells to the bone marrow. When Mozobil breaks this ‘tie,’ the stem cells float out into your bloodstream where they can be collected through a process called apheresis.

How to Take Mozobil

Mozobil is given as an injection under your skin by a trained healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Dosage Instructions

The usual dose is 240 microgram/kg body weight given by subcutaneous injection (under your skin). Your exact dose depends on your weight, which must be measured within a week of your first dose. If you have moderate or severe kidney problems, your doctor will reduce the dose. Mozobil should be given 6 to 11 hours before stem cell collection begins. Treatment usually lasts 2 to 4 consecutive days, but occasionally may continue for up to 7 days.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Diarrhea
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Injection site redness or irritation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Feeling tired or unwell
• Difficulty sleeping
• Flatulence
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain, swelling or discomfort
• Dry mouth
• Numbness around the mouth
• Sweating
• Generalized redness of the skin
• Joint pains
• Muscle and bone pains
• Strange dreams and nightmares

Important Warnings

There are several important safety considerations before using Mozobil that you should discuss with your healthcare team.

Who Should Not Take Mozobil

Do not use Mozobil if you are allergic to plerixafor or any of the ingredients listed in the medication information.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have heart problems, kidney problems, high platelet count, a history of feeling faint or lightheaded when standing or sitting, or have fainted before upon injections. Also inform your doctor if you are under 18 years of age, as the effects of Mozobil on children and adolescents have not been studied.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

You should not use Mozobil if you are pregnant. There are no adequate clinical trials in pregnant women. Use contraception if you are of child-bearing age during treatment and for one week after stopping. Men should also use effective contraception during treatment and for one week after. Do not breastfeed while being treated with Mozobil, as it is not known if the medication passes into breast milk.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with Mozobil and affect how it works. Always inform your healthcare team about all medications you are taking.

• Tell your doctor about any medicines, vitamins or supplements you buy without a prescription
• Check with your healthcare team if you are unsure about what medicines might affect Mozobil

Alcohol & Driving

Be cautious about activities requiring alertness until you know how Mozobil affects you.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Mozobil affects you. The effect on your ability to drive or operate machinery has not been studied. Make sure you know how you react to Mozobil before driving or doing anything that may be dangerous if you are dizzy, light-headed, tired or drowsy.

Storage

Your medicine will be stored at the hospital and should be kept below 25°C. Once a vial has been opened, it must be used immediately or disposed of because it contains no preservative. The medication should not be used if there are particles in it or if it has passed its expiry date.

Overdose Information

There have been no reported overdoses of Mozobil. Based on data from a small number of patients, doses up to 480 microgram/kg body weight have been shown to be safe. If you think you have been given a larger dose than recommended, tell your doctor immediately, even if there are no signs of discomfort. If too much Mozobil has been injected or it goes into a vein, you may have a serious allergic reaction. Your treating physician is trained to determine the correct dose and contact the Poisons Information Centre if needed (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand).

Frequently Asked Questions