Fludarabine
About Fludarabine
Fludarabine belongs to a group of anticancer medicines called purine analogue used in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Leukaemia, 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.
Fludarabine contains Fludarabine, which works by inhibiting DNA synthesis (responsible for DNA elongation, synthesis, and repair) in cancer cells by interfering with the ribonucleotide reductase and DNA polymerase enzymes. Thus, Fludarabine slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in the body.
Fludarabine may cause certain side effects such as fever, chills, hair loss, depression, fatigue, vomiting, nausea, headache, cough, constipation, oedema, weakness, and pain at the site of injection. Most of these side effects of Fludarabine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please seek medical help. A trained healthcare professional will administer Fludarabine. Hence, do not self-administer.
If you are allergic to Fludarabine, inform your doctor and avoid taking it. Inform your doctor about your complete medical and medication history before starting treatment with Fludarabine. Fludarabine is contraindicated for pregnant women and breastfeeding women due to serious embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Let the doctor know if you have/had kidney or liver disease, hemolytic anaemia, severe bone marrow suppression, thrombocytopenia, or neutropenia before starting the treatment, as it may worsen your condition. Inform your doctor if you have received any vaccination before starting the treatment.
Uses of Fludarabine
Medicinal Benefits
Fludarabine contains Fludarabine, which belongs to the class of purine analogues. It works by inhibiting DNA synthesis (responsible for DNA elongation, synthesis, and repair) in cancer cells by interfering with the ribonucleotide reductase and DNA polymerase enzymes. Thus, Fludarabine stops the multiplication of abnormal cells and causes the death of cancer cells.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Fludarabine
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Mouth ulcers
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Injection site reactions
- Pain at the site of injection
- Headache
- Hair loss
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Fludarabine, inform your doctor and avoid taking it. Inform your doctor about your complete medical and medication history before starting treatment with Fludarabine. Fludarabine is contraindicated for pregnant women and breastfeeding women due to serious embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Let the doctor know if you have/had kidney or liver disease, haemolytic anaemia, severe bone marrow suppression, thrombocytopenia (low number of platelets), or neutropenia (low white blood cells) before starting the treatment, as it may worsen your condition. If you are about to receive any vaccinations, inform your doctor that you are taking Fludarabine as it may cause infection.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking vaccines or antimetabolite drugs (pentostatin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, hemolytic anaemia, severe bone marrow suppression, thrombocytopenia, or neutropenia before starting treatment with Fludarabine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Fludarabine. Please consult the doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeFludarabine is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm the foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Fludarabine. You should not become pregnant while on treatment with Fludarabine.
Breast Feeding
unsafeFludarabine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and harm your infant. If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Fludarabine. Your doctor may suggest you stop feeding while on treatment with this medicine.
Driving
cautionFludarabine will be administered in a hospital setting. Hence, driving is not recommended.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Fludarabine.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Fludarabine. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Fludarabine can be given to children or not. Therefore, consult your paediatrician if needed.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables rich in nutrients and low-fat proteins like lean meats, fish and poultry.
- Drink plenty of water daily while taking the medication, as some cancer therapies may cause dehydration.
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight.
- Regularly wash your hands and avoid contact with people having infections.
- Quit smoking.
Special Advise
- Regular blood tests are recommended while receiving Fludarabine to monitor any signs of anemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia
- Fludarabine is contraindicated for use in combination with pentostatin due to the increased risk of severe pulmonary toxicity.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: It is a type of cancer that occurs in the bone marrow and blood. It increases the number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). The symptoms include fever, enlarged liver, bone or joint pain, shortness of breath, weakness, and bleeding from gums or bruises.
FAQs
Fludarabine is used to treat Chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Fludarabine contains Fludarabine, which works by inhibiting the production of genetic material (DNA) in cancer cells by interfering with the ribonucleotide reductase and DNA polymerase enzymes.
If you are about to receive any vaccinations, it is advised to inform your doctor that you are on treatment with Fludarabine as it may cause infections.
Fludarabine may interfere with the normal menstrual cycle in women and may stop sperm production in men. Therefore, please consult a doctor if you plan to have a baby.
