Clofarabine
About Clofarabine
Clofarabine is an anti-cancer medicine used in pediatric patients aged 1 - 21 years for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a blood cancer that primarily affects the blood and bone marrow. Clofarabine is used in patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) after receiving at least two prior therapies.
Clofarabine contains Clofarabine as an active ingredient in the class of antimetabolites. It works by inhibiting the DNA polymerase enzyme responsible for DNA elongation, synthesis, and repair.
Clofarabine may cause certain side effects, such as skin rash, fatigue, headache, decreased platelet count, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, anxiety, flushing, and injection site reactions. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. A trained oncologist will administer Clofarabine. Do not self-administer.
Clofarabine should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other components present in it. It should be used with caution in patients with a pre-existing or history of liver/kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, skin problems, and bleeding disorders, as it may cause serious side effects or worsen such conditions. This medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Uses of Clofarabine
Medicinal Benefits
Clofarabine contains Clofarabine, which is used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It works by inhibiting the DNA polymerase enzyme that is responsible for DNA elongation, synthesis, and repair. In general, it inhibits the production of genetic material (DNA) in the cancer cells that are essential for cell growth, repair and multiplication. Thus, Clofarabine stops the multiplication of abnormal cells, leads to the growth of cells in an unbalanced way and causes the death of cells.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Clofarabine
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Flushing
- Skin rash
- Fever
- Rash
- Itching
- Pain at the site of injection
- Injection site reactions
Drug Warnings
Clofarabine should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other components present in it. Before receiving, if the child has/had any history of liver/kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, skin problems, and bleeding disorders, as it may cause serious side effects or worsen such conditions. This medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant before starting the treatment. Breastfeeding should be discontinued in nursing mothers during the treatment. Clofarabine is given in children above one year of age only if prescribed by the doctor. Clofarabine may cause myelosuppression, QT prolongation, hepatotoxicity, renal toxicity, cerebral, gastrointestinal and pulmonary haemorrhage, Tumor Lysis syndrome, severe infections, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), enterocolitis, and skin reactions in some patients. Hence, inform your doctor about your complete medical and medication history before receiving this medicine.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Clofarabine may interact with immunosuppressants (adalimumab, infliximab, natalizumab), antiviral medicine (saquinavir, efavirenz), live vaccines, antipsychotics (haloperidol, droperidol, clozapine), etc.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, , diabetes, and skin disorders before receiving Clofarabine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consuming alcohol while on treatment with Clofarabine as it may cause severe side effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeClofarabine is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may cause embryo-fetal toxicity and harm your foetus. Hence, if you are under 21 and pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Clofarabine. You should not become pregnant while you are taking Clofarabine. Using effective birth control methods while on treatment is suggested.
Breast Feeding
unsafeThere are no data on the presence of clofarabine in human milk, its effects on breastfed children, or its impact on milk supply; due to the possibility of serious adverse events in breastfed children, including genotoxicity, patients are advised not to breastfeed during therapy and for at least two weeks following the final dosage.
Driving
not applicableClofarabine is administered to hospitalized patients.
Liver
cautionClofarabine has not been studied in patients with liver impairment. However, inform your doctor if you have liver problems.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a history of kidney disease or have a pre-existing condition, notify your doctor before getting Clofarabine. Based on your situation, your doctor may adjust the dose of this medication or prescribe a suitable alternative. Clofarabine has the potential to cause renal toxicity, which presents as high creatinine levels and sudden renal failure. Monitor renal function and adjust or discontinue Clolar as needed.
Children
safe if prescribedClofarabine is recommended for children and adolescents below 21 years of age only if prescribed by the oncologist.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- After beginning your treatment, several dietary adjustments can help you control side effects.
- Anyone suffering from a chronic illness, including cancer, should consume foods high in protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and vitamins and minerals.
- Plant-based proteins are among the greatest meals to take during chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. They have the highest concentrations of vitamins and minerals, such as nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid fast and fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
- A blood test, such as LFT and RFT, should be performed to check for liver/kidney function.
- Weekly blood tests should be done during the treatment to check for CBC (Complete blood count).
- It is advised to use contraceptive pills while using Clofarabine to prevent pregnancy.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Leukemia, also known as blood cancer, is a cancer of blood cells or blood-forming tissues. It causes excessive production of immature white blood cells by the bone marrow and reduces the body’s ability to fight infections. There are different types of blood cancers. ALL is a type of blood cancer that primarily affects your blood and bone marrow. It mainly targets the white blood cells, which can interfere with your body’s ability to combat infections. Symptoms may include fever, weight loss, abnormal blood cell count, bruising, and loss of appetite.
FAQs
Clofarabine is used to treat Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).
Clofarabine contains Clofarabine, which works by inhibiting the DNA transcription that is essential for cancer cell growth. This helps prevent the growth and further spread of cancerous or non-cancerous cells.
Clofarabine is used only in children and adolescents 1-21 years. It is not recommended for adults.
Treatment with Clofarabine may result in cerebral, gastric, and pulmonary hemorrhage that is severe and fatal. Keep track of platelets and coagulation parameters and treat as needed.
The common side effects of Clofarabine include skin rash, fatigue, headache, decreased platelet count, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, anxiety, flushing, and injection site reactions. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if they persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Call your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, like a rash, swelling of your face or throat, or difficulty breathing. Also, contact your doctor if you develop a fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, signs of infection, or any other side effects. Always inform your doctor about any new or concerning symptoms during your treatment to ensure prompt care.
Although liver damage from Clofarabine is rare, serious liver problems such as hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and liver failure have been reported. Your doctor will monitor your liver function during treatment and watch for signs such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). Your doctor may stop the therapy if liver enzyme or bilirubin levels increase. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing liver problems before starting Clofarabine, as they may conduct additional tests and adjust your treatment if needed.
Yes, nausea and extreme tiredness (fatigue) are common side effects of Clofarabine. If these symptoms persist or become severe, please tell your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your treatment, provide medication to help with these symptoms or suggest lifestyle changes.
If you experience diarrhoea while receiving Clofarabine, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids daily, such as water or oral rehydration solutions. However, if the diarrhoea becomes severe or continues, you should inform your doctor immediately. Your doctor may adjust your treatment plan or recommend additional treatments to help manage this side effect.
Some individuals may experience skin changes such as a rash, peeling, lesions, or blisters after taking Clofarabine. If you notice any skin changes, contact your doctor right away. They will help determine the cause and recommend the best course of action.
Yes, feeling a slight warmth (flushing) in your face, ears, or neck is a common side effect after receiving Clofarabine. This is temporary and usually goes away shortly after the treatment is stopped. However, if it becomes uncomfortable or you notice anything unusual, contact your doctor immediately for guidance.
You should avoid fast food, fried foods, processed meats, refined carbs, and added sugars while taking Clofarabine. It is also important to avoid alcohol, as it may cause severe side effects when combined with the treatment.
During your treatment with Clofarabine, you should avoid alcohol, as it may increase the risk of severe side effects. It is also recommended to avoid becoming pregnant, as Clofarabine can harm an unborn baby. If you are breastfeeding, you should stop breastfeeding during treatment and for at least two weeks after the last dose, as it could harm your child. Always follow your doctor’s advice regarding other medications, herbal supplements, or vaccines that should be avoided while receiving Clofarabine.
