GENERIC NAME: CLADRIBINE - INJECTION (KLAD-rib-een)
BRAND NAME(S): Leustatin
Warning | Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: Cladribine can be expected to suppress bone marrow function leaving patients susceptible to infection. At high doses, cladribine can harm the nervous system or kidneys. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection, kidney problems or nervous system problems such as persistent sore throat or fever; change in amount of urine; or tingling or numbness sensations in the hands and feet.
USES: Cladribine is an anticancer medication used to treat certain leukemias.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to treat tumors (lymphomas).
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by continuous infusion into a vein usually for 7 consecutive days. Doses may be delayed or discontinued based on response.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, decreased appetite, fatigue, dizziness, cough, sweating, or irritation at the injection site may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: fever, chills, skin rash, rapid heart rate, breathing trouble, muscle weakness, tingling in the hands or feet, pain/redness/swelling at the injection site. This medication can cause blood disorders. Laboratory tests will be done to monitor for this and other possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: pre-existing kidney disease, muscle disease, liver disease, bone marrow disease, blood disorders, infection, any allergies. Cladribine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug. Avoid pregnancy while using this medication. Use effective birth control. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Leukemia - Get the facts on leukemia (cancer of the bone marrow, blood) causes, symptoms, signs, types (hairy cell, chronic/acute lymphocytic or myeloid), research, treatment information and side effects.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Specialty RSS
Interactive Slideshows