FLUDARABINE
Background and Date of Approval
Fludarabine is a chemotherapy agent approved for clinical use in 1991.
Uses
Fludarabine is a chemotherapy medication that is used in treatment of B-Cell chronic lymphocytic Leukemia (blood cancer).
How is it administered?
Fludarabine is given into the vein using an injection and is available in two doses of 10mg and 50 mg.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Fludarabine are, diarrhea, fever, infections, pneumonia, reduced number of blood platelets, brusing and bleeding, lowered red and white blood cells, cough, tiredness, nausea and vomiting.
Warnings
Before starting treatment with fludarabine, inform your doctor if you have bone marrow problems, a depressed immune system or a history of having had serious infections. Report to your doctor immediately if you feel unwell and see any unexplained bleeding or bruising while using this medication as it may be an indication of infections. Upon noticing a reddish brown colored urine, rashes or blisters on the skin, notify your doctor. Your doctor will conduct regular blood tests during treatment with Fludarabine, and closely monitor you.
Precautions
Both men and women are advised to use effective contraception while being treated with Fludarabine and must continue to use it for six months after the last dose. Inform your doctor if you have any kidney conditions as your doctor will conduct regular tests to check your kidney function. Fludarabine may be harmful to the baby, hence inform your doctor if you are pregnant or think that you might be pregnant before starting treatment with this medication. Breastfeeding is not be started or continued while being treated with this medication as it may interfere with the growing and developing of the baby. Avoid driving while using this medication as it may cause tiredness, weakness, confusion, vision disturbances or seizures, making driving unsafe.
Word of Advice
Do not receive any vaccinations during or after fludarabine treatment without informing your doctor, as live vaccines must be avoided. This medication contains less than 1 mmol sodium per dose and is therefore suitable for patients on a sodium-restricted diet, being essentially sodium-free. Fludarabine is not indicated for use in children. Inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you are taking before beginning fludarabine treatment.
References
KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anticancer drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 864. Accord Healthcare Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on Dec 2019] [ Accessed on 30th Nov 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3393.pdf Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd, [Revised on Dec 2018] [ Accessed on 30th Nov 2021], https://www.sanofi.in/-/media/Project/One-Sanofi-Web/Websites/Asia-Pacific/Sanofi-IN/Home/science-and-innovation/for-healthcare-professionals/product-information/Fludara-IV_PI-201812.pdf Joshua Lukenbill, Matt Kalaycio; Fludarabine: a review of the clear benefits and potential harms; Leukemia Research (Published on Sept 2013; Accessed on 30/11/2021) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23787174/
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fludarabine a chemotherapy medication?
Yes, Fludarabine is a chemotherapy medication that is used in treatment of B-Cell chronic lymphocytic Leukemia (blood cancer).
Is Fludarabine safe to use during pregnancy?
Fludarabine may be harmful to the baby, hence inform your doctor if you are pregnant or think that you might be pregnant before starting treatment with this medication.
Can I use Fludarabine while driving?
Avoid driving or handling heavy machinery while taking this harmful. This is because this medication can cause tiredness, weakness, confusion, vision disturbances or seizures, making driving unsafe.
Can Fludarabine be self-administered?
No Fludarabine should be given only under the supervision of the doctor or nurse and it should not be self-administered.
Is it okay if to get vaccinated while being treated with Fludarabine?
Do not take any vaccinations during and after treatment with fludarabine without informing your doctor, as live medicines are to be avoided.
How long should I use contraception while being treated with Fludarabine?
Both men and women are advised to use effective contraception while being treated with Fludarabine and must continue to use it for six months after the last dose.