What is pentostatin?
Pentostatin is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Pentostatin interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Pentostatin is used to treat a specific type of blood cancer (hairy cell leukemia).
Pentostatin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about pentostatin?
Pentostatin 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 pentostatin including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); blood and bone marrow problems; kidney problems; liver problems; lung problems; nervous system problems; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with pentostatin.
Who should not take pentostatin?
Before taking pentostatin, tell your doctor if you
have had recent vaccinations;
have any type of infection;
have liver disease;
have kidney disease;
have breathing or respiratory problems;
have bone marrow problems; or
have bleeding or blood clotting problems.
You may not be able to take pentostatin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Pentostatin is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that pentostatin is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take pentostatin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Contraceptive measures are recommended during treatment with pentostatin.
It is not known whether pentostatin passes into breast milk. Do not take pentostatin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.