Cytarabine

Cytarabine is used to treat some kinds of cancers of blood. It may be also used to treat other conditions, as determined by the doctor. It is sometimes used with certain other medicines as part of combination chemotherapy.

Cytarabine is given as an injection into the vein or under skin by the healthcare professional. 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 rash, skin ulcer, nausea, vomiting, and hair loss. 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 bleeding, 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.

• Blood cancer

Blood cancer
Blood cancer, also called leukemia, is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, that decreases the body's ability to fight infection. Cytarabine kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol 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 Cytarine

• Rash
• Skin ulcer
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hair loss
• Abdominal pain
• Anal ulcers
• Anemia (low number of red blood cells)
• Decreased white blood cell count
• Fever
• Infection
• Abnormal liver function
• Low blood platelets
• Mouth ulcer
• Pneumonia
• Sepsis
• Mouth sore
• Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth)

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

Cytarabine 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.

• 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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