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Cytarabine is one of a large group of drugs known as "antineoplastics ; these drugs are also known as cancer drugs, chemotherapy, or chemo . They are used in the treatment of various cancers to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. A combination of different types of cancer drugs will often be used to achieve better results and minimize side effects.
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Cytarabine
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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tarabine Pfs
Cytarabine
Uses
Cytarabine is one of a large group of drugs known as "antineoplastics ; these drugs are also known as cancer drugs, chemotherapy, or chemo . They are used in the treatment of various cancers to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. A combination of different types of cancer drugs will often be used to achieve better results and minimize side effects.
Storage
- Refrigerate piggyback or infusion device.
- Warm to room temperature before infusing.
- Check expiration date.
- Store vial at room temperature away from sunlight.
Overdose
- If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
How To Use
- This is a potent medication.
- Use it exactly as prescribed.
- Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while using Tarabine Pfs.
- This helps your kidneys to remove Tarabine Pfs from your body and avoid some of the side effects.
- Do not stop using Tarabine Pfs, even if you feel nauseated or experience vomiting.
Side Effects
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, itching, freckling, diarrhea, dizziness are common side effects.
- Using Tarabine Pfs on an empty stomach may help to relieve vomiting.
- Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limited activity may help lessen some of these effects.
- In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.
- Temporary hair loss is another common side effect.
- Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.
- Contact your doctor without delay if you experience any of the following symptoms: fever, chills, painful or difficult urination, chest pain, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, easy bruising or bleeding, black or tarry stools, blood in urine or stools, pinpoint red spots on the skin, joint/back/side pain, swollen feet or lower legs, sores in the mouth or on the lips, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, shortness of breath, bone or muscle pain, severe stomach pain.
- If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney or liver problems, gout, infections, allergies (especially drug allergies).
- Contraceptive (birth control) measures are recommended for use in men and women while using Tarabine Pfs.
- A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death) if given by injection to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period).
- The risk is greater with lower birth weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol.
- Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat.
- Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur.
- If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates.
- Cytarabine is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
- Consult your doctor for details.
- It is not known if Tarabine Pfs passes into breast milk.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- Do not double dose if missed.
- Contact your doctor.
Drug Interactions
- Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: medicines used for gout.
- Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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