Fludarabine Phosphate
Fludarabine 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
Fludarabine Phosphate is used to treat
Fludarabine is primarily used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Fludarabine also is used to treat acute myelogenous leukemia, acute lymphocytic
leukemia, hairy cell leukemia, prolymphocytic leukemia, macroglobulinemia, breast cancer,
colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, hepatoma, lung cancer (small
cell and non-small cell), renal cell cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer,
adenocarcinoma, ovarian cancer, glioma, melanoma, osseous or soft tissue sarcomas, and
multiple myeloma
Side effects of Fludarabine
Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow.
This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding and infection. The numbers of
blood cells in your blood can begin to reduce from three days after the treatment has been
given and may remain low for up to four weeks after the chemotherapy, though the immune
system may not recover completely for many months after treatment has finished.
The extent to which the number of your blood cells is reduced depends on the dose of
fludarabine you receive and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, are given in
combination. Your doctor can advise you how likely it is that your blood cells will be
reduced by the chemotherapy. Your blood will be checked regularly to see how well your
bone marrow is working.
If your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F), or you develop any unexplained
bruising or bleeding, or you suddenly feel unwell, even with a normal temperature, contact
your doctor or the hospital straight away.
Loss of appetite. A dietician or specialist nurse at your hospital can
give advice.
Fever, chills and joint pain may occur from the time that the drug is
given, but they do not usually last long. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to reduce
these.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Less common side effects of Fludarabine
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. There are now very effective
anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If you do feel sick
it may begin a couple of hours after the treatment is given, however, it does not usually
last long. If the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can
prescribe other anti-sickness drugs.
Raised levels of uric acid in the blood. A drug called allopurinol may
be given to stop this happening. It may also help to drink plenty of fluids. While you are
taking fludarabine your uric acid levels will be checked regularly by blood tests.
Your liver may be temporarily affected. Fludarabine may cause changes
in the way that your liver works, which return to normal when the treatment is finished.
This is very 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 your liver function.
Sight changes, headache, confusion, weakness and agitation. These
should be reported to your doctor.
Changes to the lungs. Fludarabine may cause some changes to lung
tissue. Tell your doctor if you notice any cough or breathlessness.
Sore mouth and taste change. Your mouth may become sore, or you
may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your
teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help to reduce the risk of this
happening. Tell your doctor if you do have any of these problems as they can prescribe
special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear any mouth infection.
You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will come back after the
treatment finishes.
Diarrhoea. This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but let
your doctor know if it is severe or continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids
if you do have diarrhoea.
Skin changes. Fludarabine can cause a rash, which may be itchy. Your
doctor can prescribe medicine to help with this.
Irritation of the bladder. It is important to drink plenty of fluids.
If you notice any blood in your urine or pain on passing urine tell your doctor. |