Cladribine

Cladribine is used in the treatment of hairy cell leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It may be also used to treat other conditions, as determined by the doctor. It is used alone or in combination with some other medicines as a part of the combination therapy.

Cladribine is given as an injection into the vein under the supervision of a doctor. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, fatigue, headache, and rash. This medicine may reduce the number of blood cells (decrease red blood and white blood cells) in your blood, thereby, increasing the susceptibility to infections or bleeding. Inform your doctor if you notice chills, unusual bleeding or bruising and black and tarry stools. Regular blood tests are required to check your blood cells along with heart, liver, and blood uric acid levels.

Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, liver, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your doctor know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.

• Hairy cell leukemia

Hairy cell leukemia
Hairy cell leukemia is a kind of blood cancer in which there is excessive production of specific white blood cells (that fight infections) and they resemble hairy-shape when seen under a microscope. Cladribine kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is an effective medicine but you should discuss the side effects and benefits of this medicine with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol and smoking while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Cladrim

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Rash
• Fever
• Injection site allergic reaction

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

Cladribine interferes with the growth of DNA and RNA of the cancer cells by substituting their building blocks. It prevents the cancer cells from growing and multiplying.

• Cladribine helps treat hairy cell leukaemia.
• It is given by a drip into a vein.
• Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine.
• Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, rash or severe diarrhea.

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