LEUSTATIN

Drug Name: LEUSTATIN

LEUSTATIN DESCRIPTION:
CLADRIBINE - INJECTION (KLAD-rib-een)

COMMON LEUSTATIN BRAND NAME(S):
Leustatin

LEUSTATIN SIDE EFFECTS:
Headache, nausea, decreased appetite, fatigue, dizziness, cough, sweating, or irritation at the injection site may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: fever, chills, skin rash, rapid heart rate, breathing trouble, muscle weakness; tingling in the hands or feet; pain/redness/swelling at the injection site. LEUSTATIN can cause blood disorders. Laboratory tests will be done to monitor for this and other possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE LEUSTATIN:
LEUSTATIN: LEUSTATIN is given by continuous infusion into a vein usually for 7 consecutive days. Doses may be delayed or discontinued based on response.

LEUSTATIN WARNING:
Cladribine can be expected to suppress bone marrow function leaving patients susceptible to infection. At high doses, cladribine can harm the nervous system or kidneys. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection, kidney problems or nervous system problems such as persistent sore throat or fever; change in amount of urine; or tingling or numbness sensations in the hands and feet.

LEUSTATIN USES:
Cladribine is an anticancer medication used to treat certain leukemias.

OTHER USES OF LEUSTATIN:
LEUSTATIN may also be used to treat tumors (lymphomas).

LEUSTATIN PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have: pre-existing kidney disease, muscle disease, liver disease, bone marrow disease, blood disorders, infection, any allergies. Cladribine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using LEUSTATIN. Avoid pregnancy while using LEUSTATIN. Use effective birth control. It is not known if LEUSTATIN appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

LEUSTATIN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: corticosteroids, other anticancer medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

LEUSTATIN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include tingling or numbness in the arms or legs.

LEUSTATIN NOTES:
LEUSTATIN is usually first administered in a hospital setting where your condition can be monitored closely. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood) will be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED LEUSTATIN DOSE:
It is important to receive LEUSTATIN as directed. However, doses may be stopped or held depending on your condition. Discuss the dosing schedule with your doctor. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

LEUSTATIN STORAGE:
Store in the refrigerator and protect from light as directed. Check the expiration date and discard any unused medication after that time.