Treats certain kinds of leukemia. Also called ara-C
Contraindications:
You should not be treated with this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to cytarabine
Uses:
Injectable
This medicine, like all medicines used to treat cancer, is very strong. Make sure you understand why you are getting it and what the risks and benefits of treatment are. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor.
Your doctor will decide how much medicine you should have and when it will be given.
Your medicine may be given through a tube put in one of your veins. This is called intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us), or IV.
The medicine can also be given just under the skin in your arm or thigh. This is called subcutaneous (sub-cue-TANE-ee-us) or SC.
You can also get a shot of the medicine in a large muscle in your buttocks, thigh, or upper arm. This is called intramuscular (in-tra-MUSS-cue-lar), or IM.
A nurse or other caregiver trained to give cancer drugs will give your treatment.
If a dose is missed:
This medicine needs to be given on a regular schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or the clinic where you get your treatments for instructions.
Storage:
If you get your treatments at a clinic, the staff at the clinic will keep your medicine there.
If you get your treatments at home, you may need to store your medicine. Keep the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
If you get your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles, medicine bag or bottles, and tubes. Put it where children or pets cannot reach it.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking digoxin (Lanoxin®).
You should not use aspirin or any product that has aspirin in it (such as some cold medicines) unless you have talked to your doctor.
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines (such as flu shots).
Warnings:
Do not breastfeed while you are getting this medicine.
It may be easier for you to get infections while getting this medicine. Stay away from crowds or people with colds, flu, or other infections.
This medicine may make your mouth sore and irritated. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush or mouth swab.
Cytarabine can cause nausea and vomiting. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to keep you from feeling sick and throwing up. If the medicine does not help (you can't keep liquids down), call your doctor.
Do not get pregnant while you or your sexual partner are receiving cytarabine. Use an effective method of birth control while you are being treated with this medicine.
If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before you start your treatments.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Uncontrollable nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Painful mouth sores that keep you from drinking liquids
