Fludara (Fludarabine) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Fludara

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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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Fludara User Reviews >>

Fludara

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Fludara 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.

FLUDARABINE - INJECTION

(flew-DARE-uh-bean)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Fludara

WARNING: This medication may cause certain severe blood and bone marrow problems (low red blood cells/white blood cells/platelets, hemolytic anemia). These problems can decrease your body's ability to prevent/stop bleeding, fight infection, or carry enough oxygen in your blood. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop easy bleeding/bruising, unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat, pale/bluish skin color, or signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat).

Fludarabine may rarely cause severe (sometimes fatal) central nervous system problems. Symptoms may not occur until weeks after your last treatment. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any vision changes, seizures, agitation, confusion, or numbness/tingling.

Do not use fludarabine with pentostatin (deoxycoformycin). Use of these 2 medications together has caused fatal lung problems.

USES: This medication is used to treat leukemia and other cancers. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

HOW TO USE: This medication is usually given by injection into a vein by a health care professional over 30 minutes, once a day for 5 days or as directed by your doctor.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment. Your doctor will check your blood counts to make sure you can receive your next cycle. Keep all medical/lab appointments.

If this medication touches your skin, immediately wash the area well with soap and water. If this medication gets in your eye, open the eyelid and flush with water, then seek immediate medical attention.