What is Leustatin?
Leustatin, a chemotherapy drug, is used in the treatment of hairy-cell leukaemia.Leustatin can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Leustatin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Leustatin can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- You may experience numbness, tingling, or burning in your fingers and toes.
- Loss of mobility anywhere on the body
- Redness, swelling, or itching beneath your skin
- Low blood cell counts: fever; chills; fatigue; sores on the lips; sores on the skin; easy bruising and bleeding; pale or cold skin; hands and feet that are cold; feeling of being light-headed, short-of-breath, etc.
- Kidney problems: little or no urine, swelling of the feet or ankles, and feeling tired or breathless;
- Signs of infection: fever, chills (cough), chest pain, sores on the skin, sores in the mouth, sore tongue, and difficulty breathing.
- Signs of tumour cell breakdown: tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fast or slow heart rate, tingling in your hands and feet, or around your mouth.
Leustatin can cause a number of side effects.
- Fever;
- Nausea, vomiting, dirrhoea;
- Headache, tiredness;
- Rash;
- Cough;
- Pain, swelling or irritation at the injection site: If symptoms include swelling, redness or pain at this location.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; for FDA reports on such instances call them directly on 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Cladribine, interferon alfa-2b, Intron A, Nipent, and pentostatin
Warnings
Leustatin may increase your risk of bleeding or infection. If you notice unusual bleeding or bruising, or if there are new signs of infection, such as fever, chills or chest pains, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throats, or trouble breathing, call your doctor.High doses of cladribine can cause paralysis or nerve damage that is not reversible. This effect is rare if leustatin doses are given as recommended.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to leustatin, then it is best not to use this product.
Communicate any of the following to your doctor:
- Heart problems
- Liver or kidney disease
- Weak immune system (caused either by illness or certain medicines).
Leustatin can harm an unborn child. Use birth-control methods to avoid pregnancy, and inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant.Leustatin should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Leustatin?
Leustatin infusions are given into the veins. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider.Leustatin will usually be given continuously for seven consecutive days. How many and how frequently you receive 7-day treatments will be determined by your doctor.Leustatin may increase your risk of infection or bleeding. You may need to undergo frequent medical tests, and your next dosage could be delayed depending on the results.Leustatin can be washed off with warm, soapy water if it accidentally gets on the skin.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You will never miss a dose of this medication, as it is administered in a medical setting 24 hours a day.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.Leustatin in high doses can damage nerves. This has caused paralysis in some patients, which may not be reversible. Leustatin in the recommended dosages is unlikely to cause such severe symptoms. Speak to your doctor if this is a concern.
What should be avoided?
You should not use leustatin while receiving a live vaccine. This could cause a serious infection. Live vaccines are available for measles (chickenpox), rubella (MMR), yellow fever, typhoid (typhoid), varicella (chickenpox), zika (shingles), and influenza (nasal flu).Avoid being around people who are sick. If you notice any signs of an infection, tell your doctor immediately.
Interaction with other drug
Leustatin may harm your kidneys if you are also taking certain medications for cancer, infection, osteoporosis, or organ rejection. Other drugs that can cause kidney damage include Advil, Motrin, and Aleve.Leustatin can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop using.
