Many people using this medication have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: headache, tingling/numbness, muscle pain, back pain, neck pain/stiffness, seizures, swelling, loss of bladder/bowel control, unusual weakness/tiredness, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat), mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion).

Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: weakness/loss of movement on one side of the body, vision changes (including blindness), hearing changes.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Read the DepoCyt (cytarabine liposome injection) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

PRECAUTIONS: Before using cytarabine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: brain infection (e.g., bacterial/fungal/viral meningitis).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: previous chemotherapy, previous radiation therapy.

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.

Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections. Avoid contact with people who have illnesses that may spread to others (e.g., flu, chickenpox).

To lower your chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.

This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm the unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.

It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. However, it may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.