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.

PENTOSTATIN - INJECTION

(pen-toh-STAT-in)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Nipent

WARNING: The use of doses higher than specified by the manufacturer is not recommended. Severe kidney, liver, lung, and central nervous system problems (toxicities) have occurred in some studies when using higher than recommended doses. This drug is not recommended for use with fludarabine. The use of pentostatin in combination with fludarabine has caused severe lung problems in some cases leading to death. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Uses

Pentostatin is used to treat certain types of cancer (e.g., hairy cell leukemia).

How To Use

This medication is given by vein (IV), usually every other week; or use as directed by your doctor. The duration of therapy depends on your response to therapy. Due to potential of certain serious side effects, do not exceed the recommended dose. Consult your pharmacist for details. You should receive 500 to 1000 ml of fluid by vein before receiving the drug and an additional 500 ml after. This is done to minimize certain side effects. Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions regarding the use of this medication. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

Side Effects

Nausea may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: fever, tiredness, cough, muscle or joint aches, chills, runny nose, headache, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, mouth sores, sore throat, increased sweating, unusual bruising. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: yellowing eyes or skin, severe stomach pain, chest pain, mental/mood changes, trouble sleeping, tingling of the hands or feet. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fast/slow/irregular pulse, severe pain and redness of the leg, seizures, fainting, sunburn (sun sensitivity), vision or hearing changes, change in amount of urine. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: recent illness, history of viral infection (e.g., herpes zoster), immune system problems (bone marrow suppression), radiation therapy, kidney or liver problems, heart problems, allergies. This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, or sore throat. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages as they may aggravate certain side effects of this drug (e.g., tiredness, dizziness). This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: other cancer drugs (e.g., vidarabine, fludarabine, carmustine, etoposide, cyclophosphamide), immune system suppressants (e.g., cyclosporine, prednisone), drugs that affect bone marrow (e.g., cotrimoxazole), allopurinol. Also report drugs that cause drowsiness such as: sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, morphine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines or tricyclics), anti- seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold preparations) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. 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. Symptoms of overdose may include trouble breathing; yellowing eyes or skin; or decrease in amount of urine.

Notes

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood) will be performed frequently to monitor for side effects and response to treatment. Keep all scheduled medical appointments.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. If the dose is interrupted, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish new dosing.

Storage

Store in a refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C) away from light and moisture. After mixing and dilution in correct IV fluids (consult your pharmacist for details), the drug is stable at room temperature for 8 hours. Discard any unused liquid.

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).