Leustatin (injection)

Leustatin is a cancer medicine used to treat hairy cell leukemia (a type of blood cancer).

Leustatin may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Leustatin can raise your chance of bleeding or getting an infection. Contact your doctor if you notice unusual bruising or bleeding, or if you have new signs of infection such as fever, chills, cough, chest pain, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, or trouble breathing.

Very high doses of cladribine injection can lead to nerve damage or paralysis that may not be reversible. However, this effect is uncommon when Leustatin is given at the recommended doses.

You should not use Leustatin if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems;
• liver or kidney disease; or
• a weak immune system (caused by a disease or by using certain medicine).

Leustatin may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using Leustatin.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Leustatin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you experience:

• numbness, tingling, weakness, or burning pain in your fingers or toes;
• loss of movement in any part of your body;
• redness, swelling, or itching under your skin;
• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath;
• kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;
• signs of infection--fever, chills, cough, chest pain, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, trouble breathing; or
• signs of tumor cell breakdown--tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast or slow heart rate, tingling in your hands and feet or around your mouth.

Common side effects of Leustatin may include:

• fever;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• headache, tiredness;
• rash;
• cough; or
• pain, bruising, swelling, or irritation where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Leustatin is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Leustatin is usually given around the clock for 7 days in a row. Your doctor will determine how many 7- day treatments you will receive and how often.

Leustatin can increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests, and your next dose may be delayed based on the results.

If Leustatin accidentally gets on your skin, wash it thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Since this medication is administered in a healthcare setting 24 hours a day, you will not miss a dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Very high doses of Leustatin can cause nerve damage. In some people, this has led to loss of movement (paralysis) that may not be reversible. However, such severe symptoms are rare when Leustatin is given in recommended doses. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using Leustatin, or you could develop a serious infection. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and nasal flu (influenza) vaccine.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Leustatin can damage your kidneys, particularly if you are also taking certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Other medications may influence how Leustatin works, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any medicine you begin or stop using.