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Brand Names: Cytosar-U, Tarabine PFS

Generic Name: cytarabine (Pronunciation: sye TAR a been)

• What is cytarabine (Cytarabine)?
• What are the possible side effects of cytarabine (Cytarabine)?
• What is the most important information I should know about cytarabine (Cytarabine)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving cytarabine (Cytarabine)?
• How is cytarabine given (Cytarabine)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Cytarabine)?
• What happens if I overdose (Cytarabine)?
• What should I avoid while receiving cytarabine (Cytarabine)?
• What other drugs will affect cytarabine (Cytarabine)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is cytarabine (Cytarabine)?

Cytarabine is a cancer medication. Cytarabine interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Cytarabine is used to treat certain types of leukemia (blood cancers). Cytarabine is also used to treat leukemia associated with meningitis.

Cytarabine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of cytarabine (Cytarabine)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• eye pain or redness, problems with your vision;
• sudden shortness of breath, dry cough;
• unusual thoughts or behavior;
• problems with urination;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• fever, chest pain, muscle or bone pain, skin rash, tired feeling, and redness of the eyes (may occur 6 to 12 hours after your injection).

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
• mouth sores;
• drowsiness, dizziness;
• loss of appetite;
• sores or swelling around your mouth or rectum;
• sore throat;
• hair loss; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about cytarabine (Cytarabine)?

Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Before receiving cytarabine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have a breathing disorder such as asthma, or a history of stomach ulcer or bleeding.

Cytarabine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with cytarabine. The live vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease.