CYTARABINE

This medication belongs to a class of medicines called by antimetabolites. The cancer cells in the body are destroyed by cytarabine. This medicine is available in the form of injection and given it into a vein. This drug may be given by injection into the spinal cord in special cases.

Precautions while taking this medicine

• If someone is allergic to this medication or any other medicines, tell the pharmacist and health care providers.
• If someone has liver problems, gout or kidney problems tell the doctor.
• Tell the pharmacist and doctor what nonprescription and prescription medications one is taking especially aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin, tobramycin, flucytosine, amikacin, netilmicin, aspirin, vitamins and digoxin.
• Without consulting the doctor, do not take any vaccinations such as flu or measles shots
• Before starting this medicine, tell the doctor if someone is pregnant or breast-feeding.

What are the possible side effects of Cytarabine?

• Headache
• Loss of weight or appetite
• Achiness or weakness
• Brittle or thinned hair
• Tingling in the feet or hands

If someone experiences any of the following symptoms, call the health care providers as soon as possible:

• Pain in the abdomen
• Cough
• Red urine or painful urination
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Vomiting and nausea
• Difficulty in walking
• Muscle weakness
• Blurred vision
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Sore throat
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin