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Arranon

Generic name: nelarabine [ nel-AR-a-been ]
Drug class: Antimetabolites

What is Arranon?

Arranon is a medicine for cancer that inhibits the spread and growth of cancer cells within the body.Arranon injections are used for treating T-cell chronic lymphoblastic leukaemia as well as T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.Arranon is a treatment that can treat children and adults alike.

Warnings

Arranon can result in serious adverse effects on your central nervous system, like issues with coordination, balance, or fine motor abilities. These signs could persist even after stopping Arranon. Discuss this with your physician in case you are concerned regarding the possibility of long-term adverse effects.Do not use Arranon if you are pregnant. It may harm your unborn baby. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking Nelarabine.Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you suffer from kidney or liver problems, nerve disorders, or a previous history of chemotherapy or radiation treatment for your neck, head, or spinal cord.Arranon could reduce blood cells, which can aid your body in fighting illnesses and help the blood form clots. Your blood might need to be checked frequently. Beware of those who are sick or suffer from infections. Avoid activities that increase the chance of suffering a bleeding injury. Contact your physician immediately in the event that you show symptoms of an infection. Don't get the "live" vaccine while you are receiving treatment with Arranon. The medication could affect your ability to think or react. Be cautious if you drive or engage in any activity that requires you to be vigilant.

Before you take this drug

It is not recommended to treat with Arranon in case you have an allergy to the chemical nelarabine.

To ensure that Arranon is safe for you, inform your doctor if you ever experience:

  • Liver disease;
  • Kidney disease;
  • A disorder of the nervous system;
  • Prior treatment with chemotherapy or radiation of your neck, head, or spinal cord.

It is possible that you will need to take an unfavourable pregnancy test prior to beginning this treatment.Do not take Arranon if you are expecting. It could harm the unborn baby. Make sure you use effective birth control methods to stop the pregnancy during your use of this medication and at least three months following your last dose.A patient who is receiving Arranon must use a condom during treatment and for a minimum of 3 months after treatment has ended.It is not recommended to breastfeed while you are taking Arranon.

Similar or related drugs

Blincyto, prednisone, methotrexate, dexamethasone, Decadron, Revlimid, and imatinib

How to take Arranon?

Arranon is administered in the form of an infusion into the vein. The healthcare professional will give the injection.The medication is typically administered each day and every second day for five consecutive days every three weeks. Your treatment schedule could differ. Follow the doctor's advice.Arranon injections should be administered slowly. The injection can take up to 2 hours to complete.Nelarabine may decrease your blood cell count. Your blood must be checked frequently. The treatment for cancer may be delayed based on the results.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose of Arranon for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia:

1500 mg/m2 IV in 2 hours on days 1, 3, 5, and 6 and 5.
Comments:
Measures must be taken to prevent hyperuricemia. This includes water intake, alkalinization of the urine, and the prophylaxis of allopurinol.
The duration of the treatment recommended isn't yet clear. The clinical trial treatment was typically extended until evidence of progression of the disease or unacceptable toxicity, the patient's benefit was diminished, or the patient was an ideal candidate for bone marrow transplantation.
Uses: To treat patients suffering from T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia as well as T-cell lymphoblastic cancer that has not responded to treatment or has relapsed after treatment with at least two chemotherapy regimens. This is based on the induction of complete immune responses.

Usual Adult Dose of Arranon for Lymphoma:

1500 mg/m2 IV for 2 hours on days 1, 3, 4, and 5, repeating every 21 days.
Comments:
Measures must be taken to prevent hyperuricemia. This includes water intake, alkalinization of the urine, and the prophylaxis of allopurinol.
The duration of treatment recommended is not yet established. The clinical trial treatment was typically extended until evidence of a progression in disease with unacceptable toxicity, loss of effectiveness, or the patient was eligible for bone marrow transplants.
Uses: To treat patients suffering from T-cell acute lymphoblastic and T-cell lymphoblastic cancer who have not been able to respond or have relapsed after treatment with at least two chemotherapy regimens. This treatment is based on the stimulation of full-on responses.

Usual Paediatric Dose of Arranon for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia:

650 mg/m2 of IV in 1 hour per day for 5 consecutive days Repeated every 21 days
Comments:
Measures must be taken to prevent hyperuricemia. This includes the alkalinization of urine, hydration, and the prophylaxis of allopurinol.
The duration of treatment recommended is not yet established. The clinical trial treatment was generally extended until evidence of a progression in disease with unacceptable toxicity, loss of effectiveness, or the patient was an ideal candidate for bone marrow transplants.
Applications: For the treatment of patients suffering from T-cell acute lymphoblastic and T-cell lymphoblastic leukaemia who have not been able to respond or have relapsed following treatment using at least two chemotherapy regimens. This treatment is based on the stimulation of full-on responses.

Usual Paediatric Dose of Arranon for Lymphoma:

650 mg/m2 of IV in one hour every day for five consecutive days. Repeated every 21 days
Comments:
Measures must be taken to avoid hyperuricemia, such as the alkalinization of urine, hydration, and treatment with allopurinol.
The duration of the treatment recommended isn't yet clear. Clinical trials have shown that treatment is typically extended until there is evidence of a progression in disease or unacceptable toxicity, the patient's benefit is diminished, or the patient is eligible for a bone marrow transplant.
Uses: To treat patients suffering from acute T-cell lymphoblastic and T-cell lymphoblastic cancer who have not been able to respond or have relapsed following treatment using at least two chemotherapy regimens. This is based on the stimulation of complete immune responses.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Contact your doctor for advice in case you missed an appointment to receive the Arranon injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.The symptoms of an overdose may include serious versions of some of the side effects described in this guideline for medication.

What should be avoided?

Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand the effects this medicine has on your body. Your reactions may be impaired. It is possible to feel sleepy for a while after you have been treated by Arranon.Beware of those with illnesses or who suffer from infections. Inform your doctor immediately when you begin to show symptoms of an infection.Do not get a "live" vaccine while using Arranon. Live vaccines comprise measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), as well as typhoid, polio, and rotavirus yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and the zoster (shingles).This medication can be absorbed by body fluids (urine, faeces, and even vomit). At least for 48 hours following the time you received the dose, you should not allow the body fluids of yours to come into contact with your hands or any other surfaces. Carers must wear gloves made of rubber when cleaning the patient's body fluids, handling trash that is contaminated, doing laundry, or changing diapers. Clean hands prior to and after taking off gloves. Cleanse linens and clothing that have been soiled apart from the rest of the laundry.

Side effects of Arranon

See a doctor immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you show symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction. Arranon: hives, breathing problems, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.Nelarabine can cause serious side effects in your central nervous system. The symptoms might not disappear even if you stop taking Arranon.
Speak to your physician. If you suffer from:

  • Extreme drowsiness;
  • Inability to balance or coordinate
  • Issues related to walking;
  • The sensation of tingling or numbness is felt on your feet or hands.
  • Issues with buttoning your clothes or grabbing small objects using your fingers
  • A seizure;
  • Inflexibility or lack of movement in any body part.

Make sure to contact your doctor at any time if you suffer from:

  • Unexplained muscle tenderness, pain, or weakness;
  • Lower blood cell counts (fever, chills, fatigue, mouth sores, and skin sores; bleeding that is not normal; easy bruising; pale skin cold feet and hands being lightheaded, sluggish,
  • Indications of a breakdown in tumor cells fatigue muscles cramps, weakness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. They can also be accompanied by rapid as well as low heart rates, as well as tingling in your feet and hands, as well as around your mouth.

Common arranon adverse effects could include:

  • Drowsiness (for several days after your injection);
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation;
  • Tingling or numbness
  • Headache, tiredness,
  • Blurred vision.

This list does not encompass every potential side effect. Others could happen. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical effects. Report any side effects directly to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drug

Other medications can be incompatible with nelarabine, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your doctor the medicines you are currently taking as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking.