Cladribine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Leustatin, 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine, 2-CdA

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Some side effects will have signs or symptoms that you can see or feel. Your doctor may watch for others by doing certain tests.

Also, because of the way cancer medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These delayed effects may include certain types of cancer. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools; blood in urine; cough or hoarseness, accompanied by fever or chills; fever; lower back or side pain, accompanied by fever or chills; painful or difficult urination, accompanied by fever or chills; pinpoint red spots on skin; unusual bleeding or bruising

Check with your health care professional as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Skin rash

Less common

Pain or redness at place of injection; shortness of breath; stomach pain; swelling of feet or lower legs; unusually fast heartbeat

This medicine may also cause the following side effects that your doctor will watch out for:

More common

Anemia; low white cell counts in blood

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Headache; loss of appetite; nausea; unusual tiredness; vomiting

Less common

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; general feeling of discomfort or illness; itching; muscle or joint pain; sweating; trouble in sleeping; weakness

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.