Cytarabine liposome (Intrathecal)

Liposomal cytarabine is part of a group of medicines called antineoplastics. It is used to treat cancer in the lymph system that has spread to the brain.

Liposomal cytarabine works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, leading to their destruction. It may also affect the growth of normal cells, which can lead to other effects. Some of these effects can be serious and should be reported to your doctor. Some effects may happen even after you have stopped treatment with liposomal cytarabine.

Before you start treatment with liposomal cytarabine, you and your doctor should discuss the benefits of this medicine as well as the risks of using it.

Liposomal cytarabine must be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

It is very important that your doctor checks your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to look for any unwanted effects.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to think about the risks of taking the medicine compared to the benefits it might bring. Here are some important points to consider for this medicine:

Allergies

Let your doctor know if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, inform your healthcare professional about any other allergies you may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For over-the-counter products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

Research on this medicine has only been conducted with adult patients, so there is no specific information comparing the use of liposomal cytarabine in children to its use in other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been tested specifically in older adults. Therefore, it may not be known if they work the same way as they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older individuals. There is no specific information comparing the use of liposomal cytarabine in older adults with its use in other age groups.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when this medication is used during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction could happen. In these situations, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. When using this medicine, it's crucial for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions are highlighted due to their potential significance but may not include all possible interactions.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or may change some of the other medicines you take.

• Measles Virus Vaccine, Live
• Mumps Virus Vaccine, Live
• Rotavirus Vaccine, Live
• Rubella Virus Vaccine, Live
• Varicella Virus Vaccine, Live
• Zoster Vaccine, Live

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may alter the dose or the frequency of use for one or both medicines.

• Adenovirus Vaccine
• Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin Vaccine, Live
• Cedazuridine
• Cholera Vaccine, Live
• Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine, Live
• Influenza Virus Vaccine, Live
• Poliovirus Vaccine, Live
• Smallpox Vaccine
• Typhoid Vaccine, Live
• Yellow Fever Vaccine

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around mealtime or with specific types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect how this medicine works. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical issues, particularly:

• Active meningitis—Use is not recommended

• Blockage of cerebrospinal fluid flow—Increased risk of neurotoxicity

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Back pain
• fever
• headache
• nausea
• neck pain or rigidity
• sleepiness
• vomiting
• weakness

Less common

• Black, tarry stools
• blood in urine or stools
• chills
• cough or hoarseness
• lower back or side pain
• painful or difficult urination
• pinpoint red spots on skin
• sore throat
• swelling of fingers, hands, arms, lower legs, or feet
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Rare

• Fast or irregular breathing
• puffiness or swelling around the face
• shortness of breath
• sudden, severe decrease in blood pressure
• unusual tiredness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Constipation
• urinary incontinence

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Depocyt

Pharmacologic Class: Antimetabolite

This medicine often causes nausea and vomiting. However, it is very important that you continue to receive the medicine, even if you begin to feel ill. Ask your health care professional for ways to lessen these effects.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.