Nelarabine Injection

Conditions Treated

Nelarabine is used to treat certain types of leukemia (cancer that begins in the white blood cells) and lymphoma (cancer that begins in the cells of the immune system) that have not improved or that have come back after treatment with other medications. Nelarabine is in a class of medications called antimetabolites. It works by killing cancer cells.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Nelarabine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• loss of appetite
• stomach pain or swelling
• sores on the mouth or tongue
• headache
• dizziness
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• depression
• pain in your arms, legs, back, or muscles
• swelling of the hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• blurred vision

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

• pale skin
• shortness of breath
• fast heartbeat
• chest pain
• cough
• wheezing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• nosebleeds
• small red or purple dots on the skin
• fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection
• extreme thirst
• decreased urination
• sunken eyes
• dry mouth and skin

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Nelarabine injection comes as a liquid to be given intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic. It is usually given to adults once a day on the first, third, and fifth days of the dosing cycle. It is usually given to children once a day for 5 days. This treatment is usually repeated every 21 days. Your doctor may delay your treatment if you experience certain side effects. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before using nelarabine injection, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nelarabine or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention adenosine deaminase inhibitors such as pentostatin (Nipent). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking nelarabine. you should know that nelarabine may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. talk to your doctor before you have any vaccinations during your treatment with nelarabine.