Sign inBefore taking fludarabine
Before taking fludarabine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have kidney problems.
- If your red blood cell count is low, because of decompensated haemolytic anaemia (a type of anaemia). You will have been told if you have this condition.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take fludarabine
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take fludarabine exactly as directed by your doctor.Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take and which days to take them.
- Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not break or chew them.
- If you vomit shortly after taking a dose, or if you forget to take a dose, check with your doctor. You will be told whether to take the dose again, or wait until the next dose is due.
Getting the most from your treatment
- It is important that you do not become pregnant or father a child while you are taking fludarabine and for 6 months after this treatment as fludarabine may harm an unborn child. If this affects you, make sure you use effective contraception.
- While you are taking fludarabine do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking to your doctor first. Fludarabine lowers the body's resistance and there is a chance that you may get an infection from some vaccines.
- Keep your regular doctor's appointments and appointments for blood tests so your progress can be monitored.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can fludarabine cause problems?
Fludarabine can lower the number of white cells in your blood, increasing the chance of your getting an infection. You should take certain precautions to reduce the risk of infection - if possible, avoid people with infections and check with your doctor if you think you are getting a sore throat or have a fever (high temperature).
Your doctor will have discussed with you the possibility of unwanted side-effects of treatment with fludarabine. Let him/her know if you experience any of the following:
| Common side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling or being sick | Eat little and often and stick to simple foods |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids |
| Mouth inflammation | Avoid citrus fruit/drink and take extra care while brushing teeth |
| Fever, infection, cough, unexplained bruising or bleeding, and rash | It is important that you let your doctor know about these straight away |
| Loss of appetite, water-retention, feeling tired, problems with vision, numbness,and weakness | Discuss these with your doctor |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store fludarabine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Fludara® oral 10 mg film-coated tablet, Genzyme Therapeutics, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated February 2009, accessed September 2009.
- British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).