Fludarabine (By mouth)
floo-DAYR-a-been
Treats chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This medicine was withdrawn from the US market in September 2011.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Fludarabine belongs to the group of medicines called antimetabolites. It is used to treat a type of cancer of the white blood cells called B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This medicine is used in patients with CLL who have already been treated with an alkylating agent (eg, bendamustine) that did not work well.
Fludarabine 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. Other effects may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects may occur after treatment with fludarabine has been stopped.
Before you begin treatment with fludarabine, you and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
This medicine was available only with your doctor’s prescription. Oral fludarabine was withdrawn from the US market in September 2011.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
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.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. The medicine is usually given every day for 5 days. This 5-day treatment is given again every 28 days until your body responds to the medicine.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
If any of this medicine gets on your skin or in your eyes, nose, or mouth, wash it with soap and water or wash the eyes immediately with gently flowing water for at least 15 minutes. Also, check with your doctor right away if a skin reaction occurs.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions. If you vomit after taking your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using pentostatin (Nipent®). Also, tell your doctor if you have ever been treated with radiation or other cancer medicines.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to fludarabine, or if you are pregnant.
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.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, lung disease, infections, or bone marrow problems (such as anemia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia). Also, tell your doctor if you have had transfusions.
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
This medicine may cause a serious type of reaction called tumor lysis syndrome. Your doctor may give you a medicine to help prevent this. Call your doctor right away if you have a decrease or change in urine amount; joint pain, stiffness, or swelling; lower back, side, or stomach pain; a rapid weight gain; swelling of the feet or lower legs; or unusual tiredness or weakness.
Your 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
Bloody or cloudy urine, pain in your side or joints.
Change in how much or how often you urinate.
Confusion, extreme tiredness, fainting, or trouble seeing.
Cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing.
Fever, chills, sore throat, and body aches.
Painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals.
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, or stomach pain.
Increased sweating.
Rash.
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