Clofarabine Injection

Brands: Clolar

Uses

For treating cancer.

Instructions

This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.

This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.

Drink plenty of water while on this medicine.

Avoid getting medicine on the skin or in the eyes. If this happens, wash the skin with soap and water. For eyes, open eyelid and flush with plenty of water and tell your doctor right away.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

To avoid a serious skin reaction, avoid heat and hot water. Also avoid pressure on elbows, knees, and feet. For example, avoid tight clothing, kneeling, or long walks.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Avoid becoming overheated during exercise or other activities. Try to stay cool in hot weather.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 2 weeks after stopping treatment.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use reliable birth control during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• decreased appetite
• back pain
• diarrhea
• dizziness or drowsiness
• lack of energy and tiredness
• feeling of heat or flushing
• headaches
• pain, redness, swelling near injection
• nausea and vomiting

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• decreased awareness or responsiveness
• bleeding or bruising
• rapid breathing
• changes in memory, mood, or thinking
• confusion
• cough that does not go away
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• severe, watery or bloody diarrhea
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• fainting
• fever or chills
• numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• pain, redness, swelling or blistering on hands, feet or elbows
• fast or irregular heart beats
• signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
• joint or muscle pain
• seizures
• shortness of breath
• bloody or dark, tarry stools
• unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
• increased urinary frequency
• difficulty or discomfort urinating
• dark urine
• severe or persistent vomiting
• weakness on one side of the body
• yellowing of eyes or skin

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Extra

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice. There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist. The display and use of this drug information is subject to Terms of Use. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.