How should I take cladribine?
Your doctor will perform medical tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using cladribine.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Cladribine is taken in 2 treatment courses separated by about a year. There are 2 treatment cycles in each course. During each cycle, you will take the medicine for 4 or 5 days in a row. The 2 cycles are separated by about a month. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Your doctor will determine how many treatment courses you should receive.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water. You may take cladribine with or without food.
Use dry hands to remove a tablet from the foil blister pack when you are ready to take the medicine.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Wash your hands after handling the tablet.
Do not use a broken tablet. The medicine from a broken pill can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes or nose, or on your skin. If this happens, rinse thoroughly with water. Ask your pharmacist how to safely dispose of a broken pill.
You may be given other medications to help prevent infections. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
You will need frequent medical tests, and your next dose may be delayed based on the results.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Cladribine can have long lasting effects on your body. Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis and for another 2 years after your last dose.