Fludarabine

About Fludarabine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antimetabolites.

Fludarabine can be used to treat B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. It works by preventing the growth and dividing of cells and therefore stops them increasing in numbers.

Fludarabine is available in tablet and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Fludara. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Fludarabine

• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding
• if you are male or female and trying for a baby or intend to have children in the future
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you have haemolytic anaemia (low numbers of red blood cells)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Fludarabine

• Take fludarabine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• You must follow the printed instructions you have been given with your medication.
• You should take this medicine with or immediately after food.
• Fludarabine occasionally causes you to feel or be sick. It is important to keep taking this medicine at regular dosage times even if you begin to feel unwell.
• If you vomit shortly after taking a dose, or you forget a dose, check with your doctor. You will be told whether to take the dose again, or wait until the next dose is due.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of fludarabine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside fludarabine.
• You must avoid getting pregnant while taking fludarabine. If you are male, you must not get a woman pregnant. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about suitable contraception.
• You must keep your regular appointments with the doctor and appointments for blood tests so they can monitor your progress.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, you must tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking fludarabine.
• While you are taking fudarabine and for a while after you stop treatment, 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 the vaccine.

Can Fludarabine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects become troublesome.

Feeling sick, being sick, visual disturbances, skin rash and anaemia.

Important: if you notice any unexpected bleeding or bruising contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once.

Fludarabine can lower the number of white cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. You should take certain precautions to reduce the chance of infection. If possible avoid people with infections and check with your doctor if you think you are getting an infection, such as a sore throat and fever (high temperature).

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Fludarabine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from food, direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 22/10/2003