What is the most important information I should know about cytarabine liposomal?
Cytarabine liposomal should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Serious side effects have been reported with the use of cytarabine liposomal including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat); chemical arachnoiditis (a syndrome characterized by neck pain or rigidity, back pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever), and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with cytarabine liposomal.
What is cytarabine liposomal?
Cytarabine liposomal is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Cytarabine liposomal interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Cytarabine liposomal is used to treat lymphomatous meningitis.
Cytarabine liposomal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cytarabine liposomal?
Before taking cytarabine liposomal, tell your doctor if you have
- kidney disease;
- liver disease;
- had recent vaccinations; or
- bone marrow problems.
You may not be able to take cytarabine liposomal, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
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Cytarabine liposomal is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that cytarabine liposomal is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby.Do not take cytarabine liposomal without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Contraceptive measures are recommended during treatment with cytarabine liposomal. |
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It is not known whether cytarabine liposomal passes into breast milk. Do not take cytarabine liposomal without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby. |
How should I take cytarabine liposomal?
Cytarabine liposomal will be administered by injection into the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with cytarabine liposomal depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.
Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with cytarabine liposomal to monitor progress and side effects.
Your healthcare provider will store cytarabine liposomal as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing cytarabine liposomal, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.
What happens if I overdose?
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If for any reason an overdose of cytarabine liposomal is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately. |
Symptoms of a cytarabine liposomal overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.
What should I avoid while taking cytarabine liposomal?
Cytarabine liposomal can lower the activity of the immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with cytarabine liposomal. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.
What are the possible side effects of cytarabine liposomal?
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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately: |
- an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
- decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; unusual bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, sore throat, or signs of infection); or
- chemical arachnoiditis (a syndrome characterized by neck pain or rigidity, back pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever).
Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience
- muscle weakness;
- fatigue or confusion;
- constipation; or
- swelling or water retention.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect cytarabine liposomal?
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Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with cytarabine liposomal. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with cytarabine liposomal. |
Many other drugs may interact with cytarabine liposomal. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with cytarabine liposomal.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has additional information about cytarabine liposomal written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Cytarabine liposomal is available with a prescription under the brand name DepoCyt. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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