Uses of Cytarabine

Cytarabine is used to prevent and treat certain types of blood tumour and lymph tumour (Ex. acute myeloid leukemia, erythroleukemia, meningeal leukemia, acute non-lymphoblastic/lymphoblastic leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, etc.)   

Therapeutic Category

Cytarabine: Anticancer agents (Antimetabolites)

How Cytarabine works

Cytarabine is an anticancer medication. It works by damaging the cellular genetic material (DNA). This interferes with the functions of DNA and stops cancer cells from multiplying. As a result, it prevents abnormal cell division within the body, slows down the growth of cancer cells and helps the bone marrow to produce normal blood cells.

Common side effects of Cytarabine

• low RBC count causing anemia, tiredness and pale skin
• increased bleeding tendency (due to low blood platelet counts)
• loss of appetite
• abnormal eye movements, eye pain, redness, inflammation, sensitivity and burning sensation
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mild stomach pain, ulcers in the anus (back passage)
• mouth ulcers, sore tongue
• skin rashes, itching, blistering and inflammation of blood vessels
• hair loss
• problems in passing urine
• injection site reactions (inflammation and formation of blood clots)

When to consult your doctor

• If you experience sore mouth, mainly if you have many ulcers in the mouth
• If you experience severe allergic reaction with symptoms of rashes, hives, swelling in arms, feet, ankles, face, lips, mouth and throat with difficulty in breathing, swallowing, and speaking, feeling faint
• If you experience fever, chills, aches, soreness while swallowing (symptoms of infection)
• If you experience bleeding gums, blood in urine or vomit, unexpected bruising
• If you experience black tarry stools (signs of bleeding in the gut)
• If you experience severe chest pain with breathing difficulties (symptoms of pericarditis)
• If you experience severe pain in abdomen (signs of pancreatic inflammation)
• If you experience loss of vision, loss of touch tense, mental disturbances or loss of ability to move normally

Health Tips for Cytarabine

• Eat a well-balanced diet with a variety of nutritious foods to support your immune system and overall health. Chemotherapy may affect your appetite, so focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods even if you can only manage small portions
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during treatment. Chemotherapy can cause dehydration, so it's essential to maintain adequate fluid intake, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider
• During chemotherapy, you may be more vulnerable to infections due to compromised immune system. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and avoiding contact with individuals who are sick. Limit exposure to people who have contagious illnesses, such as the flu or colds
• Chemotherapy can cause fatigue, so prioritize getting enough rest and sleep to support your body's healing process
• Adhere to your healthcare provider's treatment schedule for receiving this medicine. This may involve staying in the hospital or outpatient clinic for infusions or injections
• Avoid sun exposure. While going out wear SPF 30 (or higher) sunblock and protective clothing