cladribine

	What is the most important information I should know about cladribine?
	What is cladribine?
	Who should not take cladribine?
	How should I use cladribine?
	What happens if I miss a dose?
	What happens if I overdose?
	What should I avoid while taking cladribine?
	What are the possible side effects of cladribine?
	What other drugs will affect cladribine?
	Where can I get more information?
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Cladribine should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of cladribine including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat); neurologic problems; kidney problems; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with cladribine.

Cladribine is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Cladribine interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Cladribine is used to treat a type of blood cancer (Hairy Cell Leukemia).

Cladribine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Before taking cladribine, tell your doctor if you have

• have had recent vaccinations;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or
• bone marrow problems.

You may not be able to take cladribine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Cladribine is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that cladribine is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby.Do not take cladribine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether cladribine passes into breast milk. Do not take cladribine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

Cladribine should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with cladribine depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with cladribine to monitor progress and side effects.

Skin accidentally exposed to cladribine should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Your healthcare provider will store cladribine as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing cladribine, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of cladribine.

If for any reason an overdose of cladribine is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms of a cladribine overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

Cladribine can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with cladribine. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.

Skin accidentally exposed to cladribine injection should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; difficulty breathing; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
• decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; unusual bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, sore throat, or signs of infection);
• muscle weakness;
• decreased or difficult urination, blood in the urine, or side pain; or
• fever.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain;
• loss of appetite;
• rash, itching or hives;
• cough;
• dizziness; or
• headache.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with cladribine. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with cladribine.

Other medications may interact with cladribine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with cladribine.

Your pharmacist has additional information about cladribine written for health professionals that you may read.