Cytarabine

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > C



How does it work?

Cytarabine is one of a group of medicines called 'cytotoxic antimetabolites' used in the treatment of cancer. Cancers form when some cells within the body multiply uncontrollably and abnormally. These cells then spread and destroy nearby tissues. Cytarabine acts by slowing this process down. It kills cancer cells by attaching to a chemical within the cell and preventing the cell from using vital nutrients and other substances necessary for normal activity. Unfortunately, cytarabine also affects normal, healthy cells and therefore it produces serious side-effects during long-term treatment. The most important side effect is in the bone marrow where blood cells are made. Regular blood tests are therefore needed to prevent the damage becoming permanent. Cytarabine may be given either by injection or slow infusion into the vein (intravenously) or by injection under the skin (subcutaneously)

What is it used for?

- Leukaemia

Warning!

- For use only under specialist medical supervision
- High level of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricaemia)
- Women who are pregnant should not handle this medicine.
- Handle this medicine with care; avoid direct contact with bare skin

Use with caution in

- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
- Low white blood cell count (leucopenia)
- Reduced platelet count in the blood

Not to be used in

- Decreased blood cell production by the bone marrow
- Previous allergic reaction to the medicine

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.