MedicineNet.com

cytarabine liposome - injection, Depocyt

Take the Chronic Fatigue Quiz Surprising Benefits of Sex Slideshow Foods & Drinks That Make You Gotta Go Slideshow

GENERIC NAME: CYTARABINE LIPOSOME - INJECTION (sye-TARE-ah-been lye-poe-SEW-mull)

BRAND NAME(S): Depocyt

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: This medication sometimes causes an inflammation of the brain (arachnoiditis), which may rarely be fatal. Before your treatment with this medication, your doctor will direct you to take another drug (dexamethasone) to help prevent this side effect or to make it less serious if it does occur. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur: nausea, vomiting, headache, neck pain/stiffness, back pain, fever.

USES: Cytarabine liposome is a long-acting (sustained-release) chemotherapy drug used to treat cancer in the area around the spinal cord (lymphomatous meningitis). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into the spinal fluid over 1 to 5 minutes by your doctor. It is usually given every 14 days or as directed. Health care professionals must follow all instructions for proper mixing and use of this drug. If you have questions about using this medication properly, consult your pharmacist.After receiving this medication, you will be instructed to lie flat for 1 hour.The dosage and length of treatment depends on your medical condition and response to treatment. After several months, your doctor may only give this drug every 28 days (maintenance dose).To reduce the risk of serious side effects, your doctor will give you other medication(s) such as dexamethasone before and for several days following your treatment. It is very important that you use this medication as directed. Tell you doctor immediately if you cannot take the dexamethasone (e.g., because of vomiting), if you vomit just after taking dexamethasone, or if you miss a dose.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, or fever may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.Many people using this medication have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: headache, tingling/numbness, muscle pain, back pain, neck pain/stiffness, seizures, swelling.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but very serious side effects occur: loss of bladder/bowel control, unusual weakness/tiredness, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat), mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion).Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: weakness/loss of movement on one side of the body, vision/hearing changes.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.