What is cladribine?
Cladribine is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Cladribine is used to treat hairy cell leukemia (a type of blood cancer).
Cladribine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about cladribine?
Do not use cladribine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
Before you receive cladribine, tell your doctor If you have liver or kidney disease or a bone marrow problem.
Cladribine can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as numbness or tingling, weakness or burning pain in your fingers or toes, lower back pain, blood in your urine, urinating less than usual, pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, or feeling like you might pass out.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving cladribine?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to it.
If you have liver or kidney disease or a bone marrow problem, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive cladribine.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use cladribine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether cladribine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are receiving cladribine.