Cladribine
Cladribine is in a class of drugs known as purine analogs. It slows or stops the growth
of cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you
are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.
Cladribine is used to treat:
- hairy cell leukemia (leukemic reticuloendotheliosis)
Cladribine is also used to rarely to treat chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, but is also
used to treat some types of low-grade lymphoma.
Side effects of Cladribine
Temporary reduction in bone marrow function.
This can result in a lowering of the number of white cells (which fight infection) in
your blood making you more prone to infection. This effect can begin seven days after the
treatment has been given and usually reaches its lowest point at 10–21 days after
chemotherapy. Your blood count will then increase steadily. If you are to have further
doses of cladribine your blood count will usually have returned to normal before your next
course of chemotherapy is due.
If your blood cells go very low, this is a serious side effect and you should contact
your doctor or the hospital straightaway if your temperature goes up, or you suddenly feel
unwell, even with a normal temperature.
Most hospitals consider a temperature above 38ºC (100.5ºF) to be high, although some
hospitals use a lower or higher temperature. The doctors and nurses at your hospital will
tell you which temperature they use.
You could also have bruising or bleeding if your platelets (cells which clot the blood)
are reduced, or anaemia if your red cells are low.
You will have a blood test before having more chemotherapy, to make sure that your
cells have recovered. Occasionally it may be necessary to delay your treatment if your
blood count is still low.
The extent to which your blood cells are affected depends on the dose of chemotherapy
you have. If you are receiving high doses of cladribine the reduction in bone marrow
function can be severe. Your doctor will monitor your blood count regularly to see how
well your bone marrow is working.
Your liver and kidneys may be affected
Cladribine may cause changes in the way that your liver and kidneys work. This is
unlikely to cause you any harm, but your doctor will monitor this carefully.
Samples of your blood will be taken from time to time to check how well your liver and
kidneys are working. If your kidney function is lower than normal for your age the dose of
cladribine will be reduced.
Feeling sick (nausea)
This is usually mild and there are now very effective anti-sickness drugs to prevent or
substantially reduce nausea and vomiting.
If it does occur it may begin a few hours after the chemotherapy has been given and
last for a few days.
If the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe
other anti-sickness drugs that may be more effective.
Skin rash
A skin rash can sometimes occur while you are having the treatment or afterwards. It is
important to let your doctor know if this happens.
Fatigue
This can be a problem for the time that you are having the treatment. It is important
to ensure that you rest and take things at your own pace
Less common side effects of Cladribine
Raised levels of uric acid in the blood
Raised levels of uric acid can affect the kidneys. A drug called allopurinol may be
given to protect the kidneys. It may also help to drink plenty of fluids. While you are
taking cladribine your uric acid levels will be checked regularly by blood tests.
Problems with neurological function
This is rare but is due to the effects of cladribine on the nervous system. If you
notice a loss of sensation in your arms or legs, or feel confused or sleepy it is
important to let your doctor know straight away. |