CYTARABINE (Injection) (Injectable)
Questions
| Reviews 
We don't currently have any questions about CYTARABINE (Injection) (Injectable).
CYTARABINE (Injection) (Injectable) Drug and Prescription Information
CYTARABINE (Injection) (Injectable)
CYTARABINE (Injection) (Injectable) Medication Classification
CYTARABINE (Injection)
CYTARABINE (Injection) (Injectable) Brandname
CYTARABINE (Injection) (Injectable) is used for the Treatment
Cytarabine (sye-TARE-a-been) Treats certain kinds of leukemia. Also called ara-C.
When To Not Use CYTARABINE (Injection) (Injectable)
You should not be treated with this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to cytarabine.
How Should You Use CYTARABINE (Injection) (Injectable)
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.
Proper CYTARABINE (Injection) (Injectable) Storage
Store CYTARABINE (Injection) (Injectable) at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture unless otherwise stated by manufacturer's instructions or labelling. Keep CYTARABINE (Injection) (Injectable) and all medications out of the reach of children.
What To Avoid While Using CYTARABINE (Injection) (Injectable)
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- 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).
CYTARABINE (Injection) (Injectable) 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.
CYTARABINE (Injection) (Injectable) Side Effects
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Fever, chills, or sore throat
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Uncontrollable nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Painful mouth sores that keep you from drinking liquids
- Wheezing, trouble breathing
- Severe rash or hives
- Trouble standing or walking
- Yellowing of skin or eyes If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach cramps
- Hair loss
- Mild rash
