What is the most important information I should know about cytarabine?
Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are
pregnant. It
could harm the unborn baby. Use effective
birth control, and tell your doctor if you become
pregnant during treatment.
Before receiving cytarabine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have
a breathing disorder such as asthma, or a history of stomach ulcer or bleeding.
Cytarabine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it
easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Avoid
being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at
once if you develop signs of infection.
Do not receive a "live"
vaccine while you are being treated with cytarabine. The live
vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease.
What is cytarabine?
Cytarabine is a cancer medication. Cytarabine interferes with the growth of cancer cells
and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Cytarabine is used to treat certain types of leukemia (blood cancers). Cytarabine is also
used to treat leukemia associated with meningitis.
Cytarabine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving cytarabine?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cytarabine.
Before receiving cytarabine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely use cytarabine.
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby.
Do not receive cytarabine without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use
an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether cytarabine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How is cytarabine given?
Cytarabine is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein, under the skin, or
into the space around the spinal cord. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital
setting.
Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when
the medicine is injected.
Cytarabine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make
it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be
sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do
not miss any scheduled appointments.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your cytarabine
injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this
medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, or changes in personality or
behavior.
What should I avoid while receiving cytarabine?
Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact
your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with cytarabine. The live
vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease.
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