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Nelarabine

Generic Name: Nelarabine [nel AR-a-beennel-AR-a]
Name of the Brand: Arranon
Dosage Form: Intravenous solution (5 mg/mL)
Drug Class: Antimetabolites

What is Nelarabine?

Nelarabine is one of the treatments for cancer that blocks the spread and growth of cancerous cells within the body.

Nelarabine is a treatment for T-cell chronic lymphoblastic leukemia and T-cell lymphoblastic tumors.Nelarabine is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.

Side effects of Nelarabine

Seek medical attention immediately in the event that you exhibit symptoms that indicate an allergy, such as asthma, hives, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.

Nelarabine could cause serious side effects in your central nervous system. The symptoms might persist even when you stop taking the drug. Speak to your physician if you experience:

  • Extreme tiredness;
  • Loss of balance or coordination
  • Issues related to walking;
  • The sensation of tingling or numbness is felt on your feet or hands.
  • Issues with buttoning your clothes and picking up small objects with your fingers
  • A seizure;
  • Inflexibility or lack of movement in any body part.

Make sure to contact your doctor at the earliest opportunity if you are suffering from:

  • Unanswered muscular discomfort tenderness, pain, or weakness;
  • Low blood cell counts, low blood cell counts, fever, chills, fatigue, and mouth sores. Skin sores, easy bleeding, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold feet and hands, being lightheaded or sluggish,
  • signs of tumor cell breakdown—tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a fast or slow heart rate, tingling in your hands and feet, or around your mouth.

Common negative side effects of nelarabine could include:

  • Drowsiness (for several days after your injection);
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation;
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Headache, tiredness,
  • Blurred vision.

This is not an exhaustive overview of the various negative side consequences. There are other possibilities for what could happen. Speak with your physician for medical advice regarding adverse reactions. It is possible to report any symptoms to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Nelarabine could result in serious adverse effects on the central nervous system. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience extreme fatigue, numbness or sensations of tingling in your hands and feet, walking problems, balance coordination problems, or trouble with your fingers.

Do not get pregnant while taking the drug nelarabine for at least three months after the last dose.

Before you take this drug

You shouldn't be treated with nelarabine if you are allergic to it.

Inform your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:

  • Liver disease;
  • Kidney disease;
  • An illness 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 unfavorable pregnancy test prior to beginning this treatment.

Nelarabine is not a good choice in the event that you are expecting. It could harm the unborn baby. Make sure you use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy while you're taking nelarabine for at least three months after the last dose.

A person who has received nelarabine is advised to use a condom during treatment and for a minimum of 3 months after treatment has ended.It is recommended not to breastfeed when you receive the drug nelarabine.

How to take Nelarabine?

Nelarabine is administered as an infusion into the vein. The healthcare professional will give you the injection.This medication must be administered slowly, and the infusion could take up to two hours to finish.

Nelarabine could lower blood cell counts. Your blood needs to be checked frequently. The treatment for cancer may be delayed depending on the results.

What happens If I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor for advice. If you do not make an appointment to have your nelarabine injected,

What happens If I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms can be extreme forms of a few of the side effects described in this drug guide.

What should be avoided?

Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you are aware of the effects of nelarabine on your body. Your reactions may be impaired. You might feel tired for a few days after being treated with nelarabine.

Do not be around those with illnesses or who suffer from infections. Contact your doctor right away in the event that you show symptoms of an infection.

Do not get a "live" vaccine while using the drug nelarabine. Live vaccines comprise measles, mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR), as well as typhoid, polio, rotavirus yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles).

Interaction with other drugs

Other medications may interact with the effects of nelarabine. These include medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about all the medications you currently use as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking.