Cytarabine

How do I say this name?

sye-TARE-a-been

What is this medicine used for?

Cytarabine kills cancer cells. This medicine may be used in a "High-dose" regimen to prepare your bone marrow for transplant.

This medicine may be called by its brand name, Cytosar-U^®, or by the common name, Ara-C.

How do I take this medicine?

Cytarabine is injected into the veins, under the skin, into the muscle, or near the spinal cord (called intrathecal administration).

Are there any special things I should do while on this medicine?

Cytarabine can decrease the number of white blood cells in your body, cells that usually help you fight infections. It can also decrease the number of cells in your blood that help your blood clot (platelets) and the number of red blood cells, cells that carry oxygen to your tissues. Without enough red blood cells, the tissues get less oxygen and you could become fatigued. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to reduce your risk of infection, excessive bleeding, or fatigue.

Cytarabine can cause swelling of the brain or spinal cord, also called "chemical arachnoiditis syndrome," when it is injected near the spinal cord. You may be given other medicines to reduce the severity of this reaction. Take these medicines exactly as you are told.

What side effects are common with this medicine?

• Low-dose cytarabine:

  Increased risk of infection for 15-24 days after therapy

  Increased risk of bleeding for 12-15 days after therapy

  Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite

  Sores in mouth, throat, or on lips

  "Cytarabine syndrome" reaction within 6-12 hours of therapy (see symptom list below)

• High-dose cytarabine (in addition to side effects listed for low-dose therapy):

  Reversible eye irritation or itching

  Nerve problems

  Reversible hair loss

• Intrathecal cytarabine (in addition to side effects listed for low-dose therapy):

  Headache

  Stiffness of neck or back

  Numbness, tingling, or pain in face, hands, or feet

When should I call my doctor?

Call your doctor if you are worried about a side effect or have questions about your medical care.

Call the doctor at once if you have any of these side effects:

• Symptoms of "chemical arachnoiditis":

  Headache

  Fever

  Mild nausea or vomiting

  Stiffness of neck or back

  Pain in the neck or back

• Symptoms of infection:

  Cough, hoarseness, or sore throat

  Fever above 100.5° Fahrenheit, or chills

  Pain in lower back or side

  Painful or difficult urination

  Urinating more often than normal

• Symptoms of increased bleeding:

  Black, tarry stools

  Blood in urine, stool, or vomit

  Pinpoint red spots on skin

  Unusual bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, coughing up blood)

• Symptoms of eye irritation:

  Dry, itchy, or irritated eyes

  Reddened eyes

  Blurred vision

  Eyes more sensitive to light

Call the doctor as soon as you can if you have any of these side effects:

• Skin rash or itching
• Swelling of feet or lower legs
• Symptoms of cytarabine syndrome reactions:

  Bone, muscle, or chest pain

  Fever

  Unusual tiredness or weakness

  Reddened eyes

  Skin rash

• Symptoms of nerve problems:

  Personality changes or mood swings

  Dizziness or clumsiness

  Difficulty walking or loss of balance

  Drowsiness or sleepiness

  Numbness, tingling, or pain in fingers, toes, or face

  Slurred speech

  Unusual weakness

These written patient information materials should be used in conjunction with verbal counseling. They are not intended as the sole source of information patients receive about their chemotherapy and other medications. The adverse effects listed are important and common ones that patients might experience; every possible adverse effect is not included. Long-term adverse effects, like secondary malignancy and infertility, are discussed for those drugs whose risk is well defined.