Fludarabine (Oral Route)
Name: Fludarabine (Oral Route)
- Fludarabine Oral Route dosage
- Fludarabine Oral Route dosage forms
- Fludarabine Oral Route used to treat
- Fludarabine Oral Route is used to treat
- Fludarabine Oral Route side effects
- Fludarabine Oral Route effects of
Descriptions
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 Oral fludarabine was withdrawn from the US market in September 2011.
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
- Tablet
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pregnancy
| Pregnancy Category | Explanation | |
|---|---|---|
| All Trimesters | D | Studies in pregnant women have demonstrated a risk to the fetus. However, the benefits of therapy in a life threatening situation or a serious disease, may outweigh the potential risk. |
Other Interactions
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Bone marrow problems (e.g., anemia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia)—Fludarabine may worsen these conditions.
- Infection—Fludarabine may decrease your body's ability to fight infection.
- Kidney disease—Use with caution. Effects may be increased because of the slower removal of the medicine from the body.
- Transfusions—Non-irradiated blood transfusion may increase the risk of side effects of fludarabine.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.