Kepivance

Kepivance Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get Kepivance (palifermin) at Low or No Cost

Kepivance (palifermin) is a supportive care medication that helps prevent and reduce severe oral mucositis—painful mouth sores and inflammation—in cancer patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplants.[3][8][9] This guide explains the Kepivance Patient Assistance Program from Swedish Orphan Biovitrum, which provides the drug at low or no cost to eligible uninsured patients meeting income requirements.[5]

About Kepivance (palifermin)

Kepivance is not a cancer treatment but a supportive therapy. It is a lab-made version of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), a natural protein that promotes growth and healing of cells in the mouth, skin, stomach, and intestines.[8][9]

Severe oral mucositis affects up to most patients receiving myelotoxic (bone marrow-damaging) therapy for hematologic malignancies (blood cancers) before autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This leads to painful ulcers, difficulty eating, drinking, speaking, or swallowing, often requiring feeding tubes or hospitalization.[3][8]

How it works: Kepivance stimulates epithelial cell proliferation and mucosal thickening, reducing mucositis incidence, duration, and severity. Studies show benefits in HSCT, head/neck cancer chemoradiotherapy, and other mucotoxic chemotherapies like doxorubicin or fluorouracil.[3] It improves patient-reported symptoms and daily functioning.[3]

Administration: Given as an IV infusion (into a vein), typically 3 doses before transplant/therapy and 3 doses after. Never on the same day as chemotherapy/radiation. Lines are rinsed with saline to avoid heparin interactions.[8] Common side effects include mouth tingling, swelling (edema), fever, rash, or elevated blood enzymes. Report new/worsening swelling to your doctor.[8]

FDA approval: For decreasing severe oral mucositis in patients with hematologic malignancies receiving myelotoxic therapy with HSCT.[3][9]

Who Qualifies for the Program?

The program targets uninsured US residents or legal entrants with a qualifying medical condition (severe mucositis risk from cancer therapy).[5] You must meet undisclosed income guidelines—call (866) 547-0644 to check eligibility.[5]

Key requirements:

• US resident/legal entrant
• Uninsured (no private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, etc.)[5][4]
• Income within program limits (not publicly specified; case-by-case review)[5]
• Prescription for Kepivance for approved use (e.g., HSCT prep)[3][5]
• Medically appropriate diagnosis[5]

This program provides one treatment course: 3 vials pre-bone marrow transplant + 3 vials post-transplant.[5] It also offers reimbursement assistance.[5]

Income Eligibility Breakdown

Specific income thresholds are not publicly disclosed by Swedish Orphan Biovitrum. Eligibility is determined individually based on household income, size, and other factors.[5] Programs like this often align with 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or similar, but confirmation requires contacting the program.[5]

*Illustrative only—actual limits undisclosed. Always call (866) 547-0644 for your situation.[5] Provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, etc.

Insurance Requirements

Patients must be uninsured—no coverage from private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or other programs.[5] Some PAPs exclude Medicare entirely, so confirm.[4] If insured, explore copay cards or other savings first (e.g., Swedish Orphan Biovitrum copay options), but this PAP is for uninsured only.[5][6] Attach any insurance info (even if none) to prove status.[5]

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applications are phone-based—no online form.[5]

1. Call the program: Dial (866) 547-0644 (English/Spanish available).[5] Patient or doctor can request form faxed to office.
2. Complete patient section: Fill income details, sign, attach proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, SSI/SSDI letter), insurance info (statement of no coverage), and personal info.[5]
3. Doctor completes: Physician fills diagnosis/use section, signs, attaches prescription.[5]
4. Fax back: Use fax (866) 549-7219 or as instructed.[5]
5. Approval wait: Processing time not specified—expect weeks; follow up by phone.[5]
6. Receive supply: Ships to doctor/pharmacy/home (varies); covers prescribed amount.[5]

Tips: Start early—before transplant. Have documents ready. Spanish apps available.[5]

Timeline and Delivery

Processing time: Not specified—call for updates.[5] Approval may take days to weeks based on similar programs.

Delivery: Varies—often to prescriber's office, pharmacy, or home.[5] One-time supply for treatment course (6 vials).[5]

Refills/reauthorization: Not detailed; contact program as needs arise.[5]

Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible

• Other PAPs: Prescription Hope offers Kepivance for $70/month (pre-qualify).[1] RxAssist/RxHope list options.[2][5]
• Copay assistance: Swedish Orphan Biovitrum copay cards for insured.[6]
• Medicare tools: Payment plans, 90-day supplies, low-income subsidies (if eligible).[4]
• State programs: Check state pharmaceutical assistance via Dept. of Aging.[4]
• Generic/biosimilars: None available.[program data]
• Doctor advocacy: Ask oncologist for samples or hospital funds.
• Reapply: Fix issues (e.g., income proof) and resubmit.

Important Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and based on publicly available data as of 2026.[5][7] Program details can change—always verify directly at (866) 547-0644.[5] Not medical/financial advice. Consult your doctor for treatment suitability. Eligibility not guaranteed. Manufacturer not affiliated with this guide.