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Brand Names: Fludara

Generic Name: fludarabine (Pronunciation: floo DAYR a been)

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

What is fludarabine (Fludara)?

Fludarabine is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Fludarabine is used to treat B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Fludarabine is usually given after other cancer medications have been tried without successful response to treatment.

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

What are the possible side effects of fludarabine (Fludara)?

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:

• signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, or unusual weakness;
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine;
• cough with yellow or green mucus, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools, coughing up blood;
• lower back pain, blood in your urine;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth, fast or slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting;
• muscle weakness, tightness, or contraction, overactive reflexes;
• drowsiness, mood changes, increased thirst, swelling, rapid weight gain;
• vision problems, headache or pain behind your eyes, changes in behavior, confusion, agitation, seizure (convulsions); or
• severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea;
• mild itching or skin rash;
• headache;
• muscle pain; or
• tired feeling.

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 fludarabine (Fludara)?

Do not use 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 you receive fludarabine, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, bone marrow problems or a weak immune system, any active infection, a history of skin cancer, or a history of a viral infection such as herpes zoster (shingles), Epstein-Barr, or a virus affecting the central nervous system.

If you need to have a blood transfusion, tell your caregivers ahead of time that you are being treated with fludarabine.

Fludarabine 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. Your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with fludarabine, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you.

Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, or unusual weakness.