Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: cladribine, injection; Leustatin
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat hairy cell leukemia. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine.
This medicine is given by IV infusion over several days. The injections are given by a healthcare provider trained to administer this medicine.
When you start treatment, your healthcare provider will monitor your condition for several months to determine your response to the medicine. If needed, your healthcare provider may prescribe another course of this treatment.
You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
Do not drink alcohol or take aspirin while receiving this medicine. It may increase the risk of bleeding. Report any unusual bleeding or bruising to your healthcare provider.
This medicine may make your mouth sore. Use a soft bristle brush or mouth swab to brush your teeth.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your healthcare provider will use blood tests during and after treatment to detect serious side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious: (Report this to your healthcare provider right away): Fever; chills; sore throat; trouble swallowing; unusual bleeding or bruising; black, tarry stools; trouble urinating; blood in the urine; fast heartbeat; unexplained swelling.
Other: Nausea, tiredness, decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, constipation, white patches or sores inside mouth or on lips, redness or pain at the spot where the injection was given.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
