What is Cladribine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Cladribine overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Cladribine Novaplus

Generic Names:

  • Cladribine

Uses:

  • Treats certain kinds of leukemia.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antineoplastic Agent

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Cladribine used for?

What form(s) does Cladribine come in

  • Injectable

What are common Cladribine doses?

  • Vial 10ML of 10MG/10ML

Common Cladribine prescriptions

  • Cladribine
    10ml of 10mg/10ml vial

How to take Cladribine

  • Your doctor will prescribe your dose and tell you how often it will be given.

  • Your medicine will be given through an IV into one your veins.

  • A nurse or other caregiver trained to give cancer drugs will give your treatment.

  • Missed dose: This medicine is usually given nonstop for 7 days. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or the clinic where you get your treatments for instructions.

  • If you receive your treatments at home: Store your medicine in the refrigerator, in a place where children cannot get to it easily.Take the medicine out of the refrigerator about 1 hour before your treatment to let it warm to room temperature. You should be given a container for the used needles, medicine bag or bottles, and tubes. Store the container out of the reach of children.

  • If you receive your treatments at home: Store your medicine in the refrigerator, in a place where children cannot get to it easily.Take the medicine out of the refrigerator about 1 hour before your treatment to let it warm to room temperature. You should be given a container for the used needles, medicine bag or bottles, and tubes. Store the container out of the reach of children.

  • Your medicine will be given through an IV into one your veins.

  • Your doctor will prescribe your dose and tell you how often it will be given.

  • Missed dose: This medicine is usually given nonstop for 7 days. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or the clinic where you get your treatments for instructions.

  • A nurse or other caregiver trained to give cancer drugs will give your treatment.

What to do if you miss a dose of Cladribine

Cladribine contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not be treated with this medicine if you had an allergic reaction to cladribine.

Cladribine warnings

  • This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Do not become pregnant or breastfeed while you are receiving this medicine. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before treatment begins.

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, kidney stones, gout, or any infections.

  • You may get infections more easily while you are receiving this medicine. Stay away from crowds or anyone who has a cold, the flu, or other infection.

  • Your doctor may prescribe medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting. Call your doctor if the medicine does not help.

  • Severe diarrhea

  • Severe mouth sores

  • Trouble breathing

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

Cladribine interactions

  • Some medicines and foods can affect how cladribine works. Do not receive a vaccine, such as a flu shot, while you are taking cladribine.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • You may get infections more easily while you are receiving this medicine. Stay away from crowds or anyone who has a cold, the flu, or other infection.

  • Your doctor may prescribe medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting. Call your doctor if the medicine does not help.

Cladribine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blood in your urine or stools

  • Fever or chills

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Pain, redness, or swelling at the IV site

  • Trouble breathing

  • Severe mouth sores

  • Severe diarrhea

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Loss of appetite, nausea

  • Headache, tiredness

  • Mild rash

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