DepoCyt (Cytarabine Liposome Injection) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

DepoCyt

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Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. The abnormal cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumor cells. Many cancers and the abnormal cells that compose the cancer tissue are further identified by the name of the tissue that the abnormal cells originated from (for example, breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer). Cancer is not confined to humans; animals and other living organisms can get cancer. Below is a schematic that shows normal cell division and how when a cell is damaged or altered without repair to its system, the cell usually dies. Also shown is what can occur when such damaged or unrepaired cells do not die and become cancer cells and proliferate with uncontrolled growth; a mass of cancer cells develop. Frequently, cancer cells can break away from this original mass of cells, travel through the blood and lymph systems, and lodge in other organs where they can again repeat the ...

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DepoCyt

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DepoCyt Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

CYTARABINE LIPOSOME - INJECTION

(sye-TARE-ah-been lye-poe-SEW-mull)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Depocyt

WARNING: This medication sometimes causes an inflammation of the brain (arachnoiditis), which may rarely be fatal. Before your treatment with this medication, your doctor will direct you to take another drug (dexamethasone) to help prevent this side effect or to make it less serious if it does occur. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur: nausea, vomiting, headache, neck pain/stiffness, back pain, fever.

USES: Cytarabine liposome is a long-acting (sustained-release) chemotherapy drug used to treat cancer in the area around the spinal cord (lymphomatous meningitis). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into the spinal fluid over 1 to 5 minutes by your doctor. It is usually given every 14 days or as directed.

After receiving this medication, you will be instructed to lie flat for 1 hour.

The dosage and length of treatment depends on your medical condition and response to treatment. After several months, your doctor may only give this drug every 28 days (maintenance dose).

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

To reduce the risk of serious side effects, your doctor will give you other medication(s) such as dexamethasone before and for several days following your treatment. It is very important that you use this medication as directed. Tell you doctor immediately if you cannot take the dexamethasone (e.g., because of vomiting), if you vomit just after taking dexamethasone, or if you miss a dose.