Fludarabine Phosphate Tablets

What is the most important information I should know about Fludarabine Phosphate Tablets?

You should not receive Fludarabine Phosphate Tablets if you are also being treated with a cancer medicine called pentostatin (Nipent).

Fludarabine Phosphate Tablets can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. You may get an infection or bleed more easily. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches).

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive Fludarabine Phosphate Tablets?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to Fludarabine Phosphate Tablets, or if you are also being treated with a cancer medicine called pentostatin (Nipent).

To make sure you can safely take Fludarabine Phosphate Tablets, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;
• bone marrow problems or a weak immune system;
• any active infection;
• a history of skin cancer; or
• a history of a viral infection such as herpes zoster (shingles), Epstein-Barr, or a virus affecting the central nervous system.

How is Fludarabine Phosphate Tablets given?

Fludarabine Phosphate Tablets is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. It is usually given daily for 5 days in a row every 28 days. Once your body has responded well to the medication, your doctor may recommend additional treatment cycles. It can be harmful if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If skin contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water or rinse the eyes thoroughly with plain water.

What should I avoid while receiving Fludarabine Phosphate Tablets?

This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit). For at least 48 hours after you receive a dose, avoid allowing your body fluids to come into contact with your hands or other surfaces. Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient’s body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

Fludarabine Phosphate Tablets side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, or unusual weakness;
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine;
• cough with yellow or green mucus, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• coughing up blood;
• lower back pain, blood in your urine;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth, fast or slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting;
• muscle weakness, tightness, or contraction, overactive reflexes;
• drowsiness, mood changes, increased thirst, swelling, rapid weight gain;
• vision problems, headache or pain behind your eyes, changes in behavior, confusion, agitation, seizure (convulsions); or
• severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

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