Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
FLUDARABINE - INJECTION
(flew-DARE-uh-bean)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Fludara
WARNING: This medication can cause severe, life-threatening, blood disorders (e.g., bone marrow suppression, auto-immune hemolytic anemia)that can occur after one or more treatments with fludarabine. Immediately notify your doctor if you have symptoms of an infection (persistent sore throat or fever) easy bruising or bleeding, unusual fatigue or dizziness, dark urine, or yellowing of the eyes. Do not use fludarabine with pentostatin (deoxycoformycin). Use of these two medications together has caused fatal lung problems. Unusually high doses of fludarabine has caused severe (sometimes fatal) central nervous system problems. If you notice any vision changes, unusual dizziness, or numbness, notify your doctor immediately. Your doctor will closely monitor you and may perform laboratory tests (e.g., blood tests) while you are using this medication.
Uses
This medication is used to treat leukemia and various other cancers.
How To Use
Use this as directed. This medication is administered by injection into a vein over 30 minutes usually once a day for 5 days. The dose may be repeated in 28 day cycles. The dose and frequency of use will be determined in part by your condition and your response to previous therapy. Follow your doctor's instructions closely and be sure to ask any questions you may have about this therapy.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue or headache may occur. If these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: mouth sores, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, skin rash, persistent sore throat, itching, flu-like symptoms (fever, chills), blood in the urine, pain in the sides, confusion, changes in vision, tingling of the hands or feet, cough, chest tightness, breathing trouble. This medication affects your blood cells reducing your ability to fight off infections. Although fever and chills are common side effects of fludarabine, they may also be signs of an infection. Notify your doctor if you develop chills or fever. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, any infections, previous cancer treatment, blood disorders, lung or breathing diseases, recent exposure to chickenpox, any allergies you have. Fludarabine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: pentostatin, cytarabine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Notes
Laboratory tests and blood tests will be done frequently to monitor the effectiveness of this medication and to prevent side effects.
Missed Dose
It is important that each dose be used as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store the powder for injection in the refrigerator as directed. After reconstitution, the medication should be used within 8 hours. Properly discard any unused medication after that time.
Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
