What is Cytarabine:
Cytarabine is proposed as an anti-cancer agent and approved to treat certain types of leukemia or lymphoma. It may be recommended along with other chemotherapy agents. Cytarabine injection 100 mg in combination with other approved anti-cancer medicines is prescribed for remission induction in acute non-lymphocytic leukemia of adults as well as pediatric patients. It has also been proven to be useful for the treatment of patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and the blast phase of chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML).
Although, the intrathecal administration of Cytarabine Injection (preservative-free preparations only) is used in the prophylaxis and treatment of meningeal leukemia.
How is Cytarabine Injection Administered:
Cytarabine is not active orally. The schedule, as well as the method of administration, fluctuates with the program of therapy to be used. Cytarabine Injection may be administered by intravenous infusion or injection, subcutaneously, or intrathecally (preservative-free preparation only).
Thrombophlebitis has appeared at the site of medicine injection or infusion in a few patient groups, and rarely patients have experienced pain and inflammation at subcutaneous injection sites. In most instances, however, the medicine has been well tolerated.
Recommended Dose:
A health specialist will work out the appropriate dose of cytarabine for you and how often it must be administered. The dosage will depend on your medical condition, your size and how effectively your liver is functioning. Your health specialist will tell how precisely your liver is functioning using blood tests.
You will have blood tests on a regular basis after your cytarabine dose to check for adverse events. These tests may be performed more often in case you are elderly, as you may be more likely to get adverse events. Therapy may have to be stopped in case your blood cell count drops too low.
Important Side Effects of Cytarabine Injection
Allergic Reaction: Cytarabine injection may rarely be responsible for causing an allergic reaction while it's being administered. Signs of a reaction may include flushing or shortness of breath, rash, swelling of your face or lips, having abdominal pain, feeling dizzy, back or chest pain or feeling unwell.
Pain Along the Vein: Cytarabine injection may cause pain along the vein. In case you experience pain, inform your health specialist right away so that the infusion site can be checked. They may give the medicine more slowly or flush it through with more fluids in order to reduce pain.
Nausea or Vomiting: Nausea/Vomiting may occur due to Cytarabine injection. Take tiny, frequent meals. Avoid such smells that precipitate nausea. Take drugs for nausea or vomiting prescribed by your health specialist. Tight-fitting clothes around the waist should be avoided.
Dizziness, Loss of Balance, Headache, Excessive Sleepiness: These signs/symptoms usually appear with high doses of Cytarabine injection and may last up to 7 days. Please report to your health specialist immediately in case you experience seizures, hallucinations or confusion.
Flu-like symptoms (Fever, Muscle Ache, Bone Pain, Lethargy), Rash, Sore Eyes: These signs/symptoms may appear 6 to 12 hours after intravenous Cytarabine, and resolve 24 hours after the medicine is discontinued. Please inform your health specialist as promptly as these signs/symptoms appear.
In case you develop rashes, facial swelling or shortness of breath following receiving the medicine, you could be allergic to Cytarabine. Please seek useful medical attention immediately.
Medicines prescribed by your health specialist should be beneficial for your condition even though they may result in a few inevitable adverse reactions.
Special Precautions
It is crucial to inform your health specialist in case you intend to conceive or breastfeed while on the therapy with Cytarabine.
Patients must not become pregnant while on Cytarabine treatment and must consider an apt method of contraception. You should take apt contraceptive measures while on and up to 6 months following cessation of treatment. In case pregnancy occurs while on treatment, you must inform your health specialist immediately.
Cytarabine injection may have an anti-fertility effect, which could be irreversible. You should interact with your health specialist regarding fertility preservation before starting treatment.
Patients should not breastfeed during Cytarabine injection treatment.
What Else Can I Do to Help My Condition
Workout: Light workout is recommended as it helps for improving mobility, balance, and even emotional well-being. To avoid strenuous workouts and rest when you're feeling tired.
Stay Positive: Understand your overall condition and take an efficient role in managing it. Never be afraid to discuss it with your health specialist/family members. Repressed feelings can be hazardous to your immediate well-being and long-term health.
Adequate Hydration: Maintain adequate hydration with 2 to 3 liters (8 to 12 cups) of fluids daily unless informed by your health specialist to restrict fluids. This will reduce the probability of being constipated and also prevent dehydration.
Medical and dental treatment: In case you need to go into hospital for any reason apart from cancer, always inform the health specialists that you are having chemotherapy. Discuss with your cancer health specialist in case you think you need dental treatment. In addition, inform your dentist that you are on chemotherapy.
Note: In case you have any problem with your therapy, please contact your health specialist.
Price of Cytarabine
Cytarabine falls under the class of medicines named antimetabolites. It works in order to resist or stop the development of cancer cells in the body. The cytarabine price in India is comparatively less than in other countries. The price of cytarabine can vary from generic to brand-name medicines. Generic version drugs are more economical than their available brand-name alternatives. In order to procure cytarabine from India, kindly reach out to us by dialing our TOLL-FREE: 1800-889-1064. We are a certified (by WHO-GDP & ISO) supplier of Cytarabine, based in India.