Tarabine Pfs

 
Generic Name: cytarabine

Brands: Cytosar-U, Tarabine PFS

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What is the most important information I should know about Tarabine Pfs?

· Tarabine Pfs should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

· Serious side effects have been reported with the use of Tarabine Pfs including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat); liver problems; severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, mouth sores; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with Tarabine Pfs.

 

What is Tarabine Pfs?

· Tarabine Pfs is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Tarabine Pfs interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

· Tarabine Pfs is used to treat blood cancers (acute non-lymphocytic leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia and chronic myelocytic leukemia).

· Tarabine Pfs may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Tarabine Pfs?

· Before taking Tarabine Pfs, tell your doctor if you have     ·kidney disease;     ·liver disease;     ·had recent vaccinations; or     ·bone marrow problems.

· You may not be able to take Tarabine Pfs, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Tarabine Pfs is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Tarabine Pfs is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby.Do not take Tarabine Pfs without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Contraceptive measures are recommended during treatment with Tarabine Pfs.

· It is not known whether Tarabine Pfs passes into breast milk. Do not take Tarabine Pfs without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Tarabine Pfs?

· Take Tarabine Pfs exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to explain them to you.

· Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with Tarabine Pfs depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

· Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with Tarabine Pfs to monitor progress and side effects.

· Your healthcare provider will store Tarabine Pfs as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing Tarabine Pfs, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Tarabine Pfs.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· If for any reason an overdose of Tarabine Pfs is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

· Symptoms of a Tarabine Pfs overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

 

What should I avoid while taking Tarabine Pfs?

· Tarabine Pfs can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with Tarabine Pfs. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.

 

What are the possible side effects of Tarabine Pfs?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:     ·an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);     ·decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; unusual bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, sore throat, or signs of infection);     ·shortness of breath or dry cough;     ·personality changes or severe drowsiness;     ·yellowing of the eyes or skin; or     ·eye pain or redness of the eyes.

· Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience     ·nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain;     ·mouth sores;     ·loss of appetite;     ·temporary hair loss;     ·reddening, itching, and inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis);     ·rash, itching or hives;     ·dizziness; or     ·headache.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Tarabine Pfs?

· Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with Tarabine Pfs. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous during treatment with Tarabine Pfs.

· Many other drugs may interact with Tarabine Pfs. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with Tarabine Pfs.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Tarabine Pfs written for health professionals that you may read.

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