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You are here : 3-RX.com > Drugs & Medications > Quick Drug Information (DrugNotes) > Cladribine (Injection)

Cladribine (Injection)

Cladribine (KLA-dri-been)

Treats certain kinds of leukemia, such as hairy cell leukemia or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Brand Name(s):

Leustatin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not be treated with this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to cladribine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

  • This medicine, like all medicines used to treat cancer, is very strong. Make sure you understand why you are getting it and what the risks and benefits of treatment are. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor.
  • Your doctor will prescribe your dose and tell you how often it will be given.
  • Your medicine will be given through a tube put in one your veins, usually in your arm, wrist, or hand and sometimes in your chest. This is called intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us), or IV.
  • A nurse or other caregiver trained to give cancer drugs will give your treatment.

If a dose is missed:

  • This medicine is usually given nonstop for 7 days. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or the clinic where you get your treatments for instructions.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • If you get your treatments at a clinic, the staff at the clinic will keep your medicine there.
  • If you get your treatments at home, you may need to store your medicine. Keep the medicine in the refrigerator and away from light.
  • Take the medicine out of the refrigerator about 1 hour before your treatment to let it warm to room temperature.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
  • If you get your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles, medicine bag or bottles, and tubes. Put it where children or pets cannot reach it.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • You should not use aspirin or any product that has aspirin in it (such as some cold medicines) unless you have talked to your doctor.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol.
  • Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines (such as flu shots).
Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Do not breastfeed while you are being given this medicine.
  • You may get infections more easily while getting this medicine. Stay away from crowds or people with colds, flu, or other infections.
  • This medicine can cause nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to keep you from feeling sick and throwing up. If the medicine does not help (you can't keep liquids down), call your doctor.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease, liver disease, kidney stones, gout, or any infections.
  • You should not have a child while you or your sexual partner are receiving cladribine. Use an effective form of birth control while you are getting this medicine.
  • If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before you start your treatments.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Fever, chills, or sore throat
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Severe diarrhea, severe mouth sores
  • Trouble breathing
  • Blood in urine or stools
  • Urinating less than one cup a day
  • Pain, redness, or swelling where the IV is given

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Headache, tiredness
  • Mild rash
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.


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