Cytarabine: A Chemotherapy Drug

What is cytarabine?

Cytarabine is a chemotherapy drug used for the treatment of patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. 

What form(s) does Cytarabine come in?

Cytarabine specifically comes in injectable form for the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma. 

What are Common Cytarabine doses?

• Vial 5mL of 20 mg/mL
• Vial 20mL of 100 mg/mL

How often is cytarabine administered?

Cytarabine may be administered as intermittent intravenous doses of 3 to 5 mg/kg daily, for 5 consecutive days. This course of treatment can be repeated following an interval of 2-9 days and repeated until the therapeutic toxicity is exhibited.

How long do cytarabine side effects last?

Excessive sleepiness, dizziness, headache, confusion, loss of balance may occur in 10 out of 100 patients receiving high dose therapy. Onset is usually five days following treatment and could last up to seven days. These toxicities often are mild and reversible.

How does cytarabine treat cancer?

As a chemotherapy medicine, cytarabine is used to treat cancer known as a cytotoxic antimetabolite. Cancers develop when some cells within the body multiply in an out of control way. These cells spread, killing nearby tissues. Cytarabine acts in order to inhibit the cancerous cells from multiplying. 

What's the usage of Cytarabine?

Cytarabine Injection is prescribed in order to treat patients with cancer of the blood (leukemia) or cancer of the lymph nodes (lymphoma). The cytarabine injection is recommended alone or in combination with other medications.

How does Cytarabine work?

Cytarabine 100 mg is a type of chemotherapy drug. It kills the cancer cells by preventing them from making as well as repairing the DNA that they require to grow as well as multiply.

What are the side effects of cytarabine: Side effects of Cytarabine Injection may include:

• Feeling tired
• Headaches
• Feeling dizzy
• Fainting
• Feeling of pins and needles
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Eye infection
• Blurred vision
• Hair loss
• Skin rash or open sores
• Peeling of the skin
• Itching or increased freckles 
• Swelling of the throat
• Heartburn
• Feeling hot and feverish
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain
• Bone pain
• Fast heartbeat
• Cytarabine syndrome

If any of these affects you severely, inform your healthcare provider.

Does cytarabine cause fever?

Fever may occur when cytarabine injection is given and within 24 hours afterward. Fever due to the cytarabine was detected in about 43% cycles.

What type of drug is cytarabine?

This medication belongs to the class of medications called antimetabolites. It specifically acts by slowing or blocking the growth of cancer cells.

This medication belongs to the class of medications called antimetabolites. It specifically acts by slowing or blocking the growth of cancer cells.

How does cytarabine Injection be given? 

This injection is recommended to be given to you or the child in your care as an injection or an infusion. It may be given: 

• Into the spinal cord
• Into a vein (through a “drip”) 
• Under the skin

Usual dose: The dose of Cytosar Injection you or the child in your care will be given will be calculated by your healthcare provider based on your/the child’s weight and height. 

Overdose: In an event of drug overdose, immediately call your healthcare practitioner, go to the hospital emergency department, even if there are no signs and symptoms.

Missed dose: Call your healthcare provider for instructions if you/the child in your care miss an appointment for your Cytosar 100mg Injection. 

How to store it?

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from light. Retain in the standard carton until time of application. 

What is the price of cytarabine injection in India? 

The cytarabine injection price in india is absolutely reasonable. It is recommended to buy this medication from any WHO-GDP & ISO certified pharmaceutical wholesaler company. 

The cytarabine cost may vary from branded to non-branded (generic) drugs. 

Note: This is just an informative article, always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider prior to initiating treatment with any medication.