Trade name

Fludara^®

What Fludarabine is and what it is used for?

• Fludarabine is classified as an anticancer antimetabolites. This drug inhibiting DNA polymerase that is essential for the replication of DNA and RNA. This stops the growth of cells, causing the cells to die. This cell damage slows and stops the growth of cancer cells in the body.
• Fludarabine is used to treat patients with:

1. B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia
2. Low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
3. Acute myeloid leukemia

How Fludarabine is given?

• Fludarabine is given as an infusion into a vein over 30 minutes.

What should I know while receiving Fludarabine?

• Do not use fludarabine when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Men and women should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the treatment ends.
• Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.
• You will have regular blood tests during treatment. The tests help your doctor understand how well fludarabine is working and monitor any side effect you might get.
• An allergic reaction may happen during or shortly after the infusion, causing fever and chills, breathing difficulties, swelling of throat or face, or hives. Tell your nurse right away if you feel unwell during an infusion.
• The existing health problems may affect the use of fludarabine. You should let your doctor know if you have any types of infections or if you have any other medical problems, especially liver and kidney problems.
• There are many drugs may affect how fludarabine works. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Common side effects

• Low white blood cell count

You may have a higher risk of getting infections. Try to stay away from crowds and wash hands often. Tell your doctor right away if you have repeated fevers, coughing, stuffy nose, a painful urination or wound that becomes red and swollen.

• Low red blood cell count

You may look pale and get tired more easily. Let your doctor know if you experience any difficulty breathing or dizziness when changing positions.

• Low platelet count
• You may have a higher risk of bleeding. Let your doctor know if you find red or purple dots on the skin, bleeding from the nose or gums, or any bruising or bleeding that you cannot explain.
• Nausea and vomiting

Medicines may be given before the treatment to prevent it happening. Eating and drinking often in small amounts may reduce the discomfort.

• Weakness and fatigue

Try to pace yourself and rest as much as possible. Seek medical advice if fatigue does not go away when you rest and sleep.

• Loss of appetite

Try to eat in small quantities and have frequent meals. If your appetite does not get any better after a few days, tell your doctor.

• Cough or trouble breathing

You may have sore throat or stuffy nose without any signs of infection. Talk to your doctor if this side effect bothers you.

• Generalized pain

Talk to the doctor if the pain is bothering you, they can give you medicine to help ease pain.

Less common side effects

• Diarrhea

Talk to your doctor and ask for advice. Drinking plenty of water and dietary changes can improve diarrhea.

• Excessive sweating

You may be sweating more than usual during treatment. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about this.

• Numbness and tingling of hands and feet

Symptoms normally get better slowly once the treatment is over. Protect areas where sensation is decreased and let your doctor know any unusual feeling you have.

• Skin rash

A rash can be itchy, red, or painful. Tell your doctor about any skin changes that you have, they can give you medicines and advices that help you feel better.

• Swelling of lower legs or hands

Tell your doctor if your hands, arms, legs, or feet feel puffy or tender. The doctor may give medicines to reduce your symptoms and suggest ways to prevent fluid buildup.

More Information

• Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day can help make your recovery a smoother process.
• Alcohol and cigarettes may interfere with certain medicines or worsen side effects from chemotherapy treatment. It is wise to avoid alcohol and cigarettes during cancer treatment. If you have any problem about drinking alcohol and smoking, you should check with your doctor.