Fludara

The recommended dose and dosing schedule of Fludara (Fludarabine) varies according to the response to treatment, other medications or treatments being used, and body size. Fludara (Fludarabine) may be taken by mouth or injected into a vein through a site on your skin that has been prepared for this purpose. Women who are pregnant should not touch the tablets. The appropriate dose is typically taken once daily for 5 days every 28 days. Usually six 28-day cycles are needed.

Fludara (Fludarabine) tablets may be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with water. Do not chew, crush or break the tablets.

Many things can affect the schedule of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. Fludara (Fludarabine) is always used under the supervision of a doctor. Very careful handling of this medication is required.

As well as interfering with the genetic material DNA of cancer cells, Fludara (Fludarabine) can interfere with some of your normal cells. This can cause a number of side effects such as hair loss. Fludara (Fludarabine) may cause nausea and vomiting, but it is important to keep using it, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can advise you on how to reduce the effects of nausea and vomiting. Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor as suggested in the section, "What side effects are possible with Fludara (Fludarabine)?"

While you are using Fludara (Fludarabine) your doctor may advise you to drink extra fluids to help prevent kidney problems.

It is important to take Fludara (Fludarabine) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose or vomit after taking the tablets, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice on how to continue with your treatment.

Store Fludara (Fludarabine) tablets at room temperature. Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Each film-coated tablet contains 10 mg of Fludara (Fludarabine). Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, ferric oxide (red, yellow), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, talc, and titanium dioxide.

Fludara (Fludarabine) should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to Fludara (Fludarabine) or to any of the ingredients of Fludara (Fludarabine)
• is pregnant or breast-feeding a child
• is taking pentostatin
• has a blood disorder called decompensated hemolytic Anemia
• has severely impaired kidney function

There may be an interaction between Fludara (Fludarabine) and any of the following:

• amphotericin B
• Clozapine
• Dipyridamole
• echinacea
• Leflunomide
• other cancer medications
• pentostatin
• Pimecrolimus
• Tacrolimus
• vaccines

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Anemia: Fludara (Fludarabine) may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired, or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells, including red blood cells, in your blood.

Blood clotting: Fludara (Fludarabine) can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily. Tell your doctor of any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly as usual. Such sy

mptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding. Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Fludara (Fludarabine) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). Avoid contact with people who have contagious infections and tell your doctor if you begin to notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills.

Encephalopathy: Fludara (Fludarabine) has been reported to cause a condition of the brain called encephalopathy. Signs and symptoms of encephalopathy include unusual clumsiness; gradually worsening weakness; visual, speech, or personality changes; seizures; and possibly coma or death. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Kidney function: If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Fludara (Fludarabine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Fludara (Fludarabine) may affect liver function. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fludara (Fludarabine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Tumour lysis syndrome: Fludara (Fludarabine), like many other cancer medications, causes many cancer cells to be suddenly killed when treatment is first started. This can overwhelm the body with waste products from the cells. As a result, the body may not be able to keep up with getting rid of all the waste. When this happens, you may experience nausea and shortness of breath, and notice cloudy urine or joint pain. This is called tumour lysis syndrome. Your doctor may prescribe some medications to help your body get rid of the waste products. Make sure you understand how to use these medications and report any of these signs or symptoms to your doctor immediately.

Pregnancy: There is a possibility of birth defects if either partner is using Fludara (Fludarabine) at the time of conception, or if it is taken during pregnancy. Effective birth control should be practiced while using Fludara (Fludarabine), and for 6 months after stopping the medication. Fludara (Fludarabine) may harm the baby if used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Fludara (Fludarabine), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Fludara (Fludarabine) passes into breast milk. Women should not breast-feed while using Fludara (Fludarabine) due to the risk of harm to the child.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Fludara (Fludarabine) have not been established for children.