home > drugs a-z list > leustatin (cladribine) drug center > leustatin (cladribine) drug - patient side effects and images

Brand Names: Cladribine Novaplus, Leustatin

Generic Name: cladribine (Pronunciation: KLAD ri been)

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

What is cladribine (Leustatin)?

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

Cladribine is used to treat hairy cell leukemia (a type of blood cancer).

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

What are the possible side effects of cladribine (Leustatin)?

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

Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning pain in your fingers or toes;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• lower back pain, blood in your urine, urinating less than usual or not at all;
• numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth;
• muscle weakness, tightness, or contraction, overactive reflexes;
• fast or slow heart rate, weak pulse, feeling short of breath, confusion, fainting;
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion; or
• signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin, loss of appetite, mouth sores, unusual weakness.

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache, tired feeling;
• nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
• mild itching or skin rash;
• cough; or
• pain, swelling, or irritation around the IV needle.

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 cladribine (Leustatin)?

Do not use cladribine without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving cladribine

If you have liver or kidney disease or a bone marrow problem, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive cladribine.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood cells, kidney function, and liver function may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

Cladribine can lower the 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.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as numbness or tingling, weakness or burning pain in your fingers or toes, lower back pain, blood in your urine, urinating less than usual, pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, or feeling like you might pass out.