Health Center

Hematology-Oncology Medical Group of the San Fernando Valley

Chemotherapy Drugs

Fludarabine injection

What does fludarabine injection do?

FLUDARABINE (Fludara®) is a type of chemotherapy for treating cancer. Fludarabine interferes with the growth of cancer cells.

It is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Generic fludarabine injections are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive fludarabine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

·bleeding problems

·blood disorders

·dental disease

·disease of the nervous system

·gout

·having intramuscular injections

·infection (especially virus infection such as chickenpox or herpes)

·kidney disease

·kidney stones

·recent radiation therapy

·an unusual or allergic reaction to fludarabine, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

·pregnant or trying to get pregnant

·breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Fludarabine is for infusion into a vein. It is usually administered in a hospital or clinic setting by a health care professional.

Fludarabine is usually given as a 5 day course of treatment that is repeated every 28 days.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss a dose. Notify your prescriber or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What other medicines can interact with fludarabine?

·allopurinol

·colchicine

·cytarabine

·live virus vaccines

·pentostatin

·probenecid

·sulfinpyrazone

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines,

nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks

with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your

health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving fludarabine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

·black, tarry stools

·blood in the urine

·blurred vision

·difficulty breathing

·fever or chills, cough or sore throat

·joint or muscle pain

·lower back pain

·pain or difficulty passing urine

·pain, swelling, redness, or irritation at the injection site

·reduced amount of urine passed

·skin rash, itching

·tingling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet

·unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin

·unusual tiredness or weakness

·vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are

bothersome):

·diarrhea

·headache

·loss of appetite

·nausea

What do I need to watch for while I receive fludarabine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks. The side

effects of fludarabine can continue after you finish your treatment; report side effects promptly.

Fludarabine may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because fludarabine affects good cells as well as cancer

cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or

health care professional tells you to stop.

While you are taking fludaraine, you will be more susceptible to infection. Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and bronchitis. Do

not have any vaccinations without your prescriber's approval and avoid anyone who has recently had oral polio vaccine.

Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat. Do not treat yourself.

Fludarabine can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Try to avoid cutting or injuring

yourself. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth

and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to reduce possible kidney and bladder problems.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are using fludarabine.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

After mixing the injection solution use at once, or store in a refrigerator and use within 8 hours unless otherwise directed by the

manufacturer. Throw away any unused injection solution.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you

have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

[ Revised 1/1/95]

This information was obtained from Clinical Pharmacology 2000 . For more information about this drug or about any other drug, click here.