Peanut Allergen Powder

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Palforzia

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to help with allergies caused by peanuts. This drug is not for use to treat an allergic reaction.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

• If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
• If your child has ever had a severe allergic reaction.
• If your child has ever had eosinophilic esophagitis or other eosinophilic stomach or bowel disease.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

• Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have your child follow the diet plan your child’s doctor told you about.
• Have your child continue to avoid peanuts as you have been told by the doctor.
• Alcohol may interact with this drug. Be sure your child does not drink alcohol.
• Talk with your doctor if your child has an illness like a viral infection, is fasting, is very tired or has missed sleep, has a menstrual period, or is taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen or naproxen. The risk of an allergic reaction may be raised.
• Do not give this drug within 3 hours before or 3 hours after your child exercises or takes a hot shower or bath. If your child has exercised or has taken a hot shower or bath and feels hot, is sweating, or has fast breathing or heartbeat, wait to give this drug until these signs go away.
• If your child has asthma and it gets harder to control or if your child has trouble breathing, call the doctor right away.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

• Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Trouble swallowing or speaking.
• Pain with swallowing.
• Heartburn.
• Chest pain or pressure, a fast heartbeat, or passing out.
• Dizziness.
• Flushing.
• Shortness of breath.
• Severe diarrhea.
• Stomach cramps.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

• Stomach pain.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Itching in the ear, mouth, or tongue.
• Numbness or tingling in the mouth.
• Throat irritation.
• Cough.
• Runny nose.
• Sneezing.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Give with a meal.
• Give this drug at the same time of day. It is best if this drug is taken in the evening.
• Do not let your child swallow the capsules or inhale the powder.
• Open capsule or sachet and empty the contents onto a few spoonfuls of soft food like applesauce, yogurt, or pudding. Mix well. Do not mix with liquids.
• After mixing, give your child’s dose right away. Do not store for future use.
• Keep giving this drug to your child as you have been told by your child’s doctor or other health care provider, even if your child feels well.
• Throw away any part left over after the dose is given.
• Wash your hands after use.
• If your child is visiting the doctor for up-dosing, do not give your child’s dose that day.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Call your child’s doctor to find out what to do.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store in a refrigerator or at room temperature.
• Do not freeze.
• Protect from heat.
• Store in original container.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

• If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
• Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2023-04-11

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