Fludarabine is used to treat B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (a type of cancer where the bone marrow produces too many white blood cells called lymphocyte).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Fludarabine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Fludarabine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- haemolytic anaemia (a type of anaemia where red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them)
- severe kidney disease
as Fludarabine may not be suitable for you.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- current or history of infection
- severe bone marrow disease
- liver disease
- moderate kidney disease
It is important that you do not get pregnant while taking Fludarabine. Men should not father a child while being treated with this medicine. Both men and women must use proven birth control methods during Fludarabine therapy and for 6 months after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. Do not receive any vaccinations without first asking your doctor.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, blood uric acid levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of infection may also be needed.
Fludarabine may cause tiredness, fits or seizures, weakness, or visual problems. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, loss of appetite, and rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- sudden memory loss, change in balance or coordination, weakness of the legs and arms
- severe itching of the skin with lumps, changes in colour or size of a mole
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- pentostatin (medicine for cancer)
- dipyridamole (blood-thinning medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Fludarabine.
Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines during treatment with this medicine. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As Fludarabine is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired tablets to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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