Fludarabine

Fludarabine is used in the treatment of blood cancer called chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It may be used to treat other conditions, as determined by the doctor. It is sometimes used with certain other medicines as part of combination chemotherapy.

Fludarabine is given as infusion into veins under the supervision of 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, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, weakness, fever, and cough. This medicine may reduce the number of blood cells (decrease white blood cells and red blood cells) in your blood, thereby, increasing the susceptibility to infections. 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.

• Blood cancer (Chronic lymphocytic leukemia)

Blood cancer (Chronic lymphocytic leukemia)
Blood cancer, also called leukemia, is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, that decreases the body's ability to fight infection. Fludarabine 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. Let your doctor know if any of the side effects bothers you.

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 Fludacel

• Increased risk of infection
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Decreased blood cells (red cells, white cells, and platelets)
• Diarrhea
• Cough

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

Fludarabine is an anticancer medication. It works by interfering with the growth of genetic material (DNA and RNA) of the cancer cells in blood. This slows the growth of cancer cells and eventually kills them.

• 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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