What is Cytarabine? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Cytarabine

• Injection routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, into a muscle, or into a vein. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

• Missed dose: Injection routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

• Injection routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• Missed dose: Injection routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

• Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, into a muscle, or into a vein. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of Cytarabine

Cytarabine contraindications - Who shouldn't take Cytarabine?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to cytarabine, or if you are pregnant.

Cytarabine warnings

• Injection routeIt is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have bone marrow problems, kidney disease, liver disease, ulcers or bleeding in your stomach or intestines, or lung problems.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Nervous system symptoms, such as confusion or drowsinessGastrointestinal ulcers or bleedingLung problems

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Sores, ulcers, or white spots on your lips or in your mouth

• Tenderness or swelling in your legs or feet.

• Trouble breathing

• Unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, or weakness

• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

• Yellow skin or eyes

Cytarabine interactions & what to avoid when taking Cytarabine

• Some medicines can affect how cytarabine works. Tell your doctor if you are using digoxin.

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have bone marrow problems, kidney disease, liver disease, ulcers or bleeding in your stomach or intestines, or lung problems.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Nervous system symptoms, such as confusion or drowsinessGastrointestinal ulcers or bleedingLung problems

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.