How does this medicine work?
Cytarabine (sye-tare-a-been) is a chemotherapy medicine that destroys cancer cells in all phases of cell life.
How should I give it?
Cytarabine is given as an injection into a vein (IV), under the skin (Sub-Q), or into the spinal fluid (intrathecal). It is given in the hospital, clinic, or home.
What are the side effects?
Intrathecal cytarabine may cause:
Common
- nausea
- vomiting
Occasional
- headache
Rare
- fever
- irritation of the lower back
- stiff neck
- seizures
- learning disability
High-dose IV cytarabine may cause:
Expected
- low blood counts
Common
- severe nausea and vomiting
- peeling of the skin on hands and feet
- conjunctivitis (redness irritation of the white part of the eye)
Occasional
- fever
- flu-like symptoms (achy, tired)
- diarrhea
Rare
- confusion
- seizures
- walking imbalance
- slurred speech
- headache
- liver damage
When should I call the clinic?
Call hematology helpline 982403210 if:
-
- fever or chills
- cough
- sore throat
- bleeding or unusual bruising
- skin rash or irritation
- continued vomiting or diarrhea
- mouth sores
- hoarseness
- seizures
- confusion
- changes in speech
- changes in balance
- back pain
- signs of allergic reaction
- sudden rash or hives
- itching
- wheezing
- trouble breathing – call 112