Cytarabine, Liposome (By injection)
sye-TARE-a-been LYE-poh-some
Treats lymphomatous meningitis.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Liposomal cytarabine belongs to the group of medicines known as antineoplastics. It is used to treat cancer of the lymph system that has spread to the brain.
Liposomal cytarabine interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal cells may also be affected by the medicine, other effects may also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Some effects may occur after treatment with liposomal cytarabine has been stopped.
Before you begin treatment with liposomal cytarabine, you and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
Liposomal cytarabine is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given as a shot into the fluid around your spinal cord.
After you receive the injection, you will need to lie flat for about 1 hour.
You may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting.
Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to cytarabine, if you are pregnant, or if you have a brain or spinal infection.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Brain or nervous system problemsYour doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fever, headache, nausea, vomiting
Muscle pain, weakness, or difficulty walking
Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
Vision changes
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Confusion, drowsiness
Mild nausea or vomiting
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Depocyt
There may be other brand names for this medicine.