Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: cytarabine, injection; Ara-C; Cytosar-U; Cytosine Arabinoside; Tarabine PFS
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip into a vein) to treat certain kinds of leukemia and cancer. 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 your healthcare provider. It may be given subcutaneously (just under the skin), intrathecally (into the spinal fluid), or by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein), or by direct shot into a vein (intravenously). You will be monitored closely while receiving this medicine. The schedule for these shots depends on your condition. Be sure you understand when you need your treatments, and keep all your appointments.
This is strong medicine that may cause inflammation of the membranes around the brain or spinal cord. Its main symptoms are nausea, vomiting, neck pain or stiffness, headache, and fever. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have these symptoms.
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.
Hair loss can occur during treatment, especially if you are receiving high doses of this medicine. The hair will grow back after treatment is stopped.
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. 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 are unable to contact your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reactions (hives, itching, rash, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing); seizures.
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe nausea and vomiting; inflammation or sores near the mouth, eyes, or rectum; sore, red eyes; unusual bleeding or bruising; fever; chills; sore throat; trouble swallowing; black, tarry stools; bloody urine; trouble breathing; yellowing of skin or eyes; light colored bowel movements; trouble standing or walking; slurred speech; chest pain.
Other: Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irritation where the shot was given, stomach cramps, hair loss.
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.
