Cytabin

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
• Erythroleukemia
• Meningeal Leukemia
• Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (children)

Cytarabine is an antineoplastic agent. Cytarabine is a synthetic pyrimidine nucleoside, which is converted intracellularly to the nucleotide, cytarabine triphosphate. The exact mechanism of action of cytarabine is not fully understood, but cytarabine triphosphate appears to inhibit DNA synthesis by the inhibition of DNA polymerase. Cytarabine's actions are cell-cycle specific. Cytarabine is also an immunosuppressant and has demonstrated antiviral activity in vitro.

Adult - Acute Nonlymphocytic Leukemia (Induction): 100-200 mg/sq.meter/day IV for 5-10 days; OR 100 mg/sq.meter IV every 12 hours for 7 days.

Adult - Meningeal Leukemia (Intrathecal): 5-75 mg/sq.meter every 2-7 days until CNS findings normalize.

Adult - Refractory Leukemia: 3 g/sq.meter IV (infusion over 1-3 hours) every 12 hours x 4-12 doses; repeat every 2-3 weeks.

Adult - Meningeal Leukemia (IT): 30 mg/sq.meter intrathecal every 4 days until CSF findings normal plus one additional dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Rash
• Skin ulcer
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hair loss
• Abdominal pain
• Anal ulcers
• Anemia
• Decreased white blood cell count
• Fever
• Infection
• Abnormal liver function
• Low blood platelets
• Mouth ulcer
• Pneumonia
• Sepsis
• Mouth sore
• Stomatitis

Serious Side Effects:

• Myelosuppression (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia)
• Cytarabine syndrome (fever, myalgia, bone pain, rash, conjunctivitis)
• Neurotoxicity (with intrathecal use)
• Anaphylactoid reactions
• Flu-like syndrome

Pregnancy Category D. Cytarabine is unsafe during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. May be prescribed in life-threatening situations if benefits outweigh risks. Please consult your doctor.

• May affect your ability to drive.
• Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
• Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection such as fever, sore throat, rash or severe diarrhea.
• Regular blood tests are required to check blood cells, heart, liver, and uric acid levels.
• Patients with previous drug-induced bone marrow suppression should use with caution.

Severe bone marrow depression, gastrointestinal toxicity and vomiting are among the signs and symptoms expected. Treatment should be ceased and supportive measures instituted. Blood product transfusions may be required and active measures may be necessary to combat infection.

Store the vial in original carton at 15°C to 30°C. Protect from light. Do not refrigerate. Keep out of reach of children.