Nelarabine, Injection

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is given by IV to treat T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoblastic lymphoma.
• You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine.
• Keep all appointments for tests to see how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine may cause serious side effects of the central nervous system or other 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: nelarabine, injection; Arranon

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given to treat T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoblastic lymphoma when other anticancer medicines are not effective.

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
• Gout
• Kidney or liver disease
• Nervous system problems
• Radiation or chemotherapy to the brain or spinal cord
• Seizures

Also tell your provider if you have recently had any kind of infection.

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 is a very strong medicine. Only healthcare providers experienced with this drug should prescribe it. It should only be given in a clinic or hospital where you can be monitored closely.

This medicine is given by IV infusions (slow drip through a needle into a large vein). How long you will need this treatment will be determined by your healthcare provider. If you feel pain or burning where the infusion is being given, tell your healthcare provider right away.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine may cause serious side effects of the central nervous system that may not go away after you stop treatment. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have: seizures, severe drowsiness or confusion, numbness and tingling in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes, trouble walking, or trouble using your hands.

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

You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.

Follow your provider’s instructions about how much liquid to drink while you are receiving this medicine.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

You may bleed more easily while taking this medicine. Be careful when brushing your teeth or shaving. Do not drink alcohol or take aspirin while receiving this medicine. It may increase the risk of bleeding. Report any unusual bruising or bleeding to your healthcare provider.

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

If you have diabetes: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.

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 reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Chills; fever; extreme tiredness; mouth sores; cough; shortness of breath; sore throat; tingling or numbness in hands or feet; severe weakness or being unsteady; trouble walking; trouble using your hands; severe vomiting or diarrhea; trouble urinating; seizures; unusual bruising or bleeding; fast or irregular heartbeat; change in vision; unexplained swelling; chest pain; severe muscle pain.

Other: Nausea; vomiting; constipation; loss of appetite; change in your sense of taste; confusion; stomach pain; hair loss; muscle pain; diarrhea; tiredness; weakness; headache.

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 before receiving:

• Echinacea
• Pentostatin (Nipent)
• 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.