What is cytarabine?
Cytarabine is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Cytarabine is used to treat certain types of leukemia (blood cancers). Cytarabine is also used to treat leukemia associated with meningitis.
Cytarabine will not treat an active meningitis infection that has already developed in the body.
Cytarabine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about cytarabine?
Cytarabine can cause serious side effects on your brain or central nervous system that may not be reversible. Cytarabine is usually given together with a steroid medication to help lessen these side effects. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
Do not use cytarabine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
Before you receive cytarabine, tell your doctor if you have a seizure disorder or a history of head injury or brain tumor.
Cytarabine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Your blood may need to be tested often. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding injury. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with cytarabine. The live vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving cytarabine?
Cytarabine can cause serious side effects on your brain or central nervous system that may not be reversible. Cytarabine is usually given together with a steroid medication to help lessen these side effects. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to cytarabine.
To make sure you can safely receive cytarabine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not receive cytarabine 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 cytarabine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are receiving cytarabine.