What is the most important information I should know about cladribine?
Cladribine should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider
experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Serious side effects have been reported with the use of cladribine including: allergic reactions
(difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone
marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry
stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection such as fever; chills, or sore throat); neurologic problems;
kidney problems; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with
cladribine.
What is cladribine?
Cladribine is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Cladribine interferes with the growth of
cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Cladribine is used to treat a type of blood cancer (Hairy Cell Leukemia).
Cladribine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take cladribine?
Before taking cladribine, tell your doctor if you have
You may not be able to take cladribine, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Cladribine is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that cladribine is known to
cause
birth defects in an unborn baby.
Do not take cladribine without first talking to
your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether cladribine passes into breast milk. Do not take
cladribine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
How should I use cladribine?
Cladribine should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider
experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with cladribine
depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any
questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.
Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical
evaluations during treatment with cladribine to monitor progress and side effects.
Skin accidentally exposed to cladribine should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Your healthcare provider will store cladribine as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing
cladribine, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.
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