Cytarabine
About Cytarabine
Cytarabine is a prescription injection used to treat certain types of blood cancers, such as acute myeloid leukaemia and acute lymphocytic leukaemia. It is also used to treat or prevent cancer that has spread to the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord. This medicine works by targeting and stopping the growth of abnormal cancer cells in the body.
Because this medicine is given as an injection, a healthcare professional will give it to you in a hospital or clinic setting. The frequency of your treatment will depend on your specific condition and how well your body responds. Since it is given by injection, you do not need to worry about taking it with or without food, but staying well-hydrated before your appointments can help. Eating small, frequent, bland meals and avoiding raw foods can support your recovery during treatment.
Like all cancer treatments, Cytarabine can cause some unwanted effects, such as nausea, temporary hair loss, or mouth sores. These are common and usually manageable, but you must contact your doctor immediately if you experience signs of infection, like a fever or chills.
Do not take this if you have had a severe allergic reaction to it in the past. Before starting, talk to your doctor if you have a history of liver damage, kidney disease, or blood disorders, as these conditions may require special monitoring or adjustments to your treatment.
It is important to discuss all other medicines you are taking, as some can increase the risk of side effects when combined with Cytarabine. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking, as they can worsen liver strain and general side effects. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare team immediately, as this medicine can harm an unborn baby.
Uses of Cytarabine
Medicinal Benefits
Cytarabine helps control certain blood cancers by slowing the growth and multiplication of abnormal cancer cells. This supports disease control, promotes remission in suitable patients, and allows healthy blood cells to recover during treatment.
- Helps control blood cancers: Slows the growth and spread of rapidly dividing cancer cells, helping manage conditions such as leukaemia and lymphoma.
- Supports remission: By reducing the number of abnormal cancer cells, it may help achieve or maintain remission when used as part of an appropriate treatment plan.
- Allows healthy blood cells to recover: As cancer cells are reduced, the bone marrow can gradually restore the production of normal red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
- Treats cancer involving the central nervous system: When administered into the spinal fluid (intrathecally), Cytarabine delivers treatment directly to the brain and spinal cord, helping control cancer cells in areas that intravenous chemotherapy may not adequately reach.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Cytarabine will be administered in the hospital setting by a trained healthcare professional.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Cytarabine
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea and vomiting
- Temporary hair loss
- Mouth sores or throat irritation
- Loss of appetite
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Fever, chills, sore throat, or other signs of infection
- Unusual bruising, purple spots on the skin, or bleeding that will not stop
- Severe tiredness, weakness, or pale skin
- Yellowing of your eyes or skin, which may indicate liver damage
- Shortness of breath, chest pain, or a persistent cough
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inspect the injection before use: Before each injection, ensure the solution is clear and free from visible particles. Do not use it if it appears cloudy, discoloured, or if the container is damaged.
- Rotate injection sites: If you are self-administering subcutaneous injections, change the injection site with each dose to help reduce pain, bruising, and skin irritation.
- Dispose of needles safely: Always discard used needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant sharps container. Never reuse needles or dispose of them in household waste.
- Monitor for signs of infection: Check your temperature regularly and contact your doctor immediately if you develop a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, chills, sore throat, or any other signs of infection.
- Avoid live vaccines: Do not receive live vaccines during treatment unless your doctor specifically advises you to, as your immune system may not respond normally.
- Attend regular monitoring: Keep all scheduled appointments for blood tests so your doctor can monitor your blood cell counts, kidney function, liver function, and overall response to treatment.
Drug Interactions
- Live vaccines: Taking Cytarabine while receiving live vaccines may increase your risk of developing a severe infection from the vaccine.
- Digoxin: Cytarabine may lower the absorption of digoxin tablets, making your heart medication less effective.
- Other chemotherapy drugs: Combining this medicine with other cancer treatments can increase the risk of serious side effects, such as low blood counts and liver strain.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Cytarabine as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
Pregnancy
unsafeIt is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Cytarabine. You should not become pregnant while on treatment with Cytarabine.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is not recommended for use in breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and harm your infant. If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Cytarabine. Your doctor may suggest you stop feeding while on treatment with this medicine.
Driving
unsafeCytarabine causes dizziness and may alter the ability to drive or operate machines. Hence, avoid driving or operating machines after receiving Cytarabine.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Cytarabine. It may lead to CNS toxicity in high doses.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Cytarabine as it may lead to kidney failure. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeCytarabine, combined with other approved anti-cancer medications, is suggested for inducing remission in adults and children with acute non-lymphocytic leukemia. Consult your doctor for more information.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Practice strict food safety: Because this medicine can lower your white blood cell count, avoid raw or undercooked foods, wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and ensure all dairy products are pasteurized to prevent infections.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your kidneys flush out the waste products of destroyed cancer cells and to help manage nausea.
- Eat soft, bland foods: To prevent mouth sores, opt for soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and well-cooked vegetables. Avoid spicy, salty, or highly acidic foods.
- Use a soft toothbrush: Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your gums from bleeding when your platelet counts are low.
- Wash your hands frequently: Keep your hands clean and avoid crowded areas or contact with people who are sick to protect yourself from infections.
Special Advise
- Regular blood tests are recommended while taking Cytarabine to monitor the number and type of cells in the blood.
- Cytarabine, like other cytotoxic medicines, can cause hyperuricemia due to the fast lysis of neoplastic cells. Blood uric acid levels should be monitored and be ready to utilize any supportive or pharmacologic interventions that may be required to address this condition.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Chronic myeloid leukemia: It is a type of cancer that occurs in the bone marrow and blood. It abnormally increases the number of immature white blood cells. The symptoms include unexplained weight loss, excessive sweating, bone pain, frequent nosebleeds, heavier-than-normal periods in females, and shortness of breath. The risk factors include smoking and genetic or blood disorders.
Acute lymphocytic leukemia: It is a type of cancer that occurs in the bone marrow and blood. It increases the number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). The symptoms include fever, enlarged liver, bone or joint pain, shortness of breath, weakness, and bleeding from gums or bruises.
FAQs
Cytarabine is used to treat Chronic myeloid leukemia, Acute lymphocytic leukemia, Acute non-lymphocytic leukemia, and meningeal leukemia.
Cytarabine contains Cytarabine, which belongs to the class of antimetabolites. It works by inhibiting the DNA polymerase enzyme that is responsible for DNA elongation, synthesis, and repair.
If you are about to receive any vaccinations, especially live vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella and polio vaccines, it is advised to inform your doctor that you are on treatment with Cytarabine as it may cause infections.
Cytarabine may cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Therefore, please consult a doctor before taking Cytarabine if you are planning to become pregnant.
Cytarabine contains cytarabine as its active component. It is an anticancer medicine which belongs to the class of anti-metabolites.
Cytarabine is not considered a vesicant (irritant), but it should be administered carefully to prevent any potential issues.
No, ototoxicity (hearing damage) has not been reported with Cytarabine use. However, if you experience any related symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor.
Yes, Cytarabine is a cytotoxic (cell-damaging).
Yes, Cytarabine may cause hair loss as this is one of its side effects. However, please, consult a doctor if this persists for longer durations.
Cytarabine causes side effects such as nausea, vomiting, mouth ulcers, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, dark-coloured urine, confusion, dizziness, stomach pain, weakness, and injection site reactions. These will gradually reduce over time. However, consult a doctor if any of these persists longer.
Cytarabine is injected by a healthcare provider into a vein, under the skin, or directly into the spinal fluid. Talk to your doctor to understand which method is right for your specific treatment plan.
Frequent blood tests are necessary to check your blood cell counts, kidney health, and liver function. This helps your medical team adjust your treatment schedule safely. Talk to your doctor for more details.
Some people may feel dizzy, weak, or tired after receiving Cytarabine. It is best to avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Talk to your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
The length and frequency of your treatment cycles depend on your specific type of leukaemia and how your body responds to the medicine. Talk to your doctor to understand your personalised treatment schedule.
You must contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention immediately if you develop a fever, as it can be a sign of a serious infection due to lowered white blood cells. Talk to your doctor about when to seek urgent care.
Author Details
