We know that undergoing cancer treatment is a challenging journey, both mentally and physically. Having a good understanding of the medications you are given will be a great strength for you during this journey. Today we are going to talk about a type of pill called 'Fludarabine', which is used for such cancer treatment. This article will answer many of the questions you have about this medicine.
Simply put, what is Fludarabine?
This is an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug . To be precise, it works by stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body and destroying them.
This medicine is most often used to treat a type of blood cancer called Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) . However, depending on your condition, your doctor may decide to give you this medicine for other types of cancer.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before you start taking this medicine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to mention these things in particular:
- Current infections: If you currently have any infection, especially viral infections like chickenpox or herpes (cold sores).
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney disease.
- Blood abnormalities: If you have been diagnosed with a low number of red cells, white cells, or platelets in your blood.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to this fludarabine medicine, other anti-cancer medicines, other medicines, foods, or dyes.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, or are trying to get pregnant soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, be sure to mention it.
How should I use this medicine?
The method of using this is very simple. However, the most important thing is to follow exactly what the doctor says.
- Swallow this tablet whole with a glass of water .
- Most importantly: Never break, crush, or chew this pill .
- Follow the instructions on the prescription your doctor has given you exactly as directed.
What do you do if you accidentally drink too much?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a medication appointment?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once for any reason.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Fludarabine is a very strong drug. Therefore, it can interact with other medications you are taking. It is very important to be aware of this.
| Nature of the collision | Examples and descriptions |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should never be taken | Taking the anti-cancer drug pentostatin with this medicine can cause serious side effects. |
| Other things that can cause collisions |
|
| Medicines that should not be taken without medical advice | Painkillers such as acetaminophen (paracetamol), aspirin, and ibuprofen. These suppress fever, which is an early sign of infection. Therefore, if you have a fever, your doctor may not be able to tell. |
The most important thing is to tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and nutritional supplements). Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
You need to take a little extra care of your body while taking this medicine.
- Protect yourself from infections: This medicine can lower the number of white blood cells in your body that fight disease. This means you are more likely to get infections . If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough, or pain when urinating, do not self-medicate and call your doctor right away. Try to stay away from crowded places and people who are sick.
- Watch out for bleeding: This medicine also affects blood platelets, which can increase the risk of bleeding . Tell your doctor if you experience unusual bruising, small red spots on your skin, nosebleeds, or black stools.
- Take care of your teeth and gums: Use a very soft toothbrush when brushing your teeth. Your gums are more likely to bleed and become infected. If you are going to have any dental treatment, inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
- For men: This medication may affect sperm count. If you are hoping to have a child, it is very important to discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment.
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Appetite
- Hair loss
- Insomnia
Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine. This can cause serious harm to the unborn baby. Also, avoid breastfeeding while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor for more information about this.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, fludarabine can cause side effects. Some of them should be reported immediately, while others are not so serious.
| Fludarabine side effects | |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, notify your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, painful dry cough. |
| Nervous system changes | Confusion, changes in vision or hearing, numbness, pain, or muscle weakness in the limbs. |
| Symptoms of low blood cell count | Signs of infection: fever, chills, sore throat. Signs of bleeding: easy bruising, nosebleeds, black stools. Symptoms of low red blood cells: extreme fatigue, paleness, fainting. |
| Other serious symptoms | Mouth sores, swelling of the ankles, hands and feet, difficulty urinating, yellowing of the eyes or skin. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different, talk to your doctor about it.
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep it in a safe place out of the reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius).
- Discard expired medication without using it.
Take-Home Message
- Take the medicine exactly as your doctor has prescribed, at the right time. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and other medical conditions you are taking.
- If you notice signs of infection such as fever and chills, or unusual bruising or bleeding, notify your doctor immediately.
- Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking this medicine.
- If you have any concerns or fears, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor. Your doctor will be your biggest supporter during your treatment journey.
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