Nelarabine



Arranon®







Nelarabine

(nel AY re been)

U.S. Brand Names
Arranon®
Pharmacologic Category
Antineoplastic Agent, Antimetabolite
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • This medicine is very strong. It can prevent your bone marrow from making some of the cells that your body needs. You will need weekly blood work to watch for side effects. Tell healthcare provider right away about any fever, sore throat, signs of infection, bleeding, shortness of breath, or feeling tired.
  • This medicine may cause serious nervous system problems including extreme sleepiness, seizures, weakness, or numbness or tingling of the feet or hands. Talk with healthcare provider.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to nelarabine or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat leukemias/lymphomas.
How does it work?
  • Nelarabine injures cancer cells causing their death.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Call your healthcare provider for an appointment.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Be careful about taking vaccinations while you are receiving this medicine.
  • If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have seizures, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Talk with healthcare provider before using aspirin, aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.
  • You may bleed more easily. Be careful. Avoid injury. Use soft toothbrush, electric razor.
  • You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Anemia, low white blood cell count, and low platelet count.
  • Bruising.
  • Bleeding problems.
  • Risk of infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Fever.
  • Swelling.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
  • Headache.
  • Cough.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Seizures.
  • Numbness or tingling of hands or feet.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: