Cytarabine, Injection

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is given by IV to treat certain kinds of leukemia and cancer.
• You may get infections or bleed more easily when you are taking this medicine.
• Keep all appointments for tests to see how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)

Generic and brand names: cytarabine, injection; Cytosar-U

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip into a vein) to treat certain kinds of leukemia and cancer.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• An allergic reaction to any medicine
• A blood or bleeding disorder
• A weakened immune system from cancer treatment, diseases such as HIV/AIDS, or from taking steroid medicines or medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection
• Liver or kidney disease

Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine.

How do I use it?

This medicine is given by your healthcare provider. It may be given subcutaneously (just under the skin), intrathecally (into the spinal fluid), or by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein), or by direct shot into a vein (intravenously). You will be monitored closely while receiving this medicine. The schedule for these shots depends on your condition. Be sure you understand when you need your treatments, and keep all your appointments.

What should I watch out for?

This is a very strong medicine and may cause many serious side effects. Only healthcare providers experienced with this drug should prescribe it. Make sure you understand the risks and benefits of this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.

You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.

You may develop anemia, bleed or bruise more easily, or you may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual tiredness or weakness, fever, cough, sore throat, or other signs of infection. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.

Do not drink alcohol or take aspirin while receiving this medicine unless your healthcare provider approves. It may increase the risk of bleeding.

This medicine may make your mouth sore. Use a soft bristle brush or mouth swab to brush your teeth.

You may lose your hair during treatment, especially if you are receiving high doses of this medicine. The hair will grow back after treatment is stopped.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reactions (hives, itching, rash, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing); seizures.

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting; severe diarrhea; inflammation or sores near the mouth, eyes, or rectum; sore, red eyes; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; fever; chills; sore throat; cough; trouble swallowing; black, tarry bowel movements; bloody urine; trouble breathing; yellowing of skin or eyes; light colored bowel movements; trouble standing or walking; slurred speech; vision problems; confusion; unusual thoughts or behavior; severe headache; numbness or tingling in your hands or feet; severe skin rash; chest pain.

Other: Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irritation where the shot was given, stomach cramps, hair loss.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Flucytosine (Ancobon)
• Live vaccines

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.