Cladribine
About
Cladribine belongs to a group of anticancer medicines called purine analogue used in the treatment of hairy cell leukaemia. Leukaemia, also known as blood cancer, is a cancer of blood cells or blood-forming tissues. It causes excessive production of immature white blood cells by the bone marrow and reduces the body’s ability to fight infections.
Cladribine contains Cladribine, which belongs to the class of purine antimetabolites. It works by inhibiting DNA synthesis (responsible for DNA elongation, synthesis, and repair) in cancer cells by interfering with the ribonucleotide reductase and DNA polymerase enzymes.
Cladribine may cause certain side effects such as insomnia, dizziness, cough, abdominal pain, rash, constipation, fatigue, vomiting, nausea, headache, cough, constipation, weakness, and pain at the site of injection. Most of these side effects of Cladribine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. A trained healthcare professional will administer Cladribine. Hence, do not self-administer.
If you are allergic to Cladribine, inform your doctor and avoid receiving it. Inform your doctor about your complete medical and medication history before starting treatment with Cladribine. Cladribine is contraindicated for pregnant women and breastfeeding women due to serious embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Let the doctor know if you have/had kidney or liver disease, hemolytic anaemia, or severe bone marrow suppression before starting the treatment, as it may worsen your condition. Inform your doctor if you have received any vaccination before starting the treatment.
Uses of Cladribine
Medicinal Benefits
Cladribine contains Cladribine, which is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. It works by inhibiting DNA synthesis (responsible for DNA elongation, synthesis, and repair) in cancer cells by interfering with the ribonucleotide reductase and DNA polymerase enzymes. Thus, Cladribine stops the multiplication of abnormal cells and causes the death of cancer cells.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cladribine
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Injection site reactions
- Pain at the site of injection
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Muscle pain
- Rash
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Cladribine, inform your doctor and avoid receiving it. Inform your doctor about your complete medical and medication history before starting treatment with Cladribine. Cladribine is contraindicated for pregnant women and breastfeeding women due to serious embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Let the doctor know if you have/had kidney or liver disease, haemolytic anaemia, severe bone marrow suppression, thrombocytopenia (low number of platelets), or neutropenia (low white blood cells) before starting the treatment, as it may worsen your condition. If you are about to receive any vaccinations, inform your doctor beforehand, as it may cause infection.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking vaccines, OTC medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, hemolytic anaemia, severe bone marrow suppression, thrombocytopenia, or neutropenia before starting treatment with Cladribine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Cladribine. Please consult the doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeCladribine is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm the foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Cladribine. You should not become pregnant while on treatment with Cladribine.
Breast Feeding
unsafeCladribine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and harm your infant. If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Cladribine. Your doctor may suggest you stop feeding while on treatment with this medicine.
Driving
not applicableCladribine will be administered to hospitalized patients.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Cladribine. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Cladribine. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
consult your doctorCladribine is not recommended for use in children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables rich in nutrients and low-fat proteins like lean meats, fish and poultry.
- Drink plenty of water daily while receiving the medication, as some cancer therapies may cause dehydration.
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight.
- Regularly wash your hands and avoid contact with people having infections.
- Quit smoking.
Special Advise
Regular blood tests are recommended while receiving Cladribine to monitor any signs of anemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hairy cell Leukemia: It is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the bone marrow and blood. It increases the number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). The symptoms include fever, enlarged liver, bone or joint pain, shortness of breath, weakness, and bleeding from gums or bruises.
FAQs
Cladribine contains Cladribine, which works by inhibiting the production of genetic material (DNA) in cancer cells by interfering with the ribonucleotide reductase and DNA polymerase enzymes.
It is said that concomitant use of Cladribine along with live vaccines may cause serious adverse effects. Hence, inform your doctor if you have taken any vaccines recently before receiving Cladribine.
