CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION contains Cytarabine which belongs to the group of medicines called Anticancer agents. It is used for certain types of blood cancer and lymph cancer (Ex. acute myeloid leukemia, erythroleukemia, meningeal leukemia, acute non-lymphoblastic/lymphoblastic leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma).
Before receiving CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION, inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have low RBC, WBC and platelet counts in blood, or currently taking radiotherapy as a precaution. Avoid consumption of alcohol while undergoing therapy with this medicine. CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Both men and women of childbearing potential must use a suitable contraceptive to avoid pregnancy while undergoing therapy with this medicine and until 6 months after the last dose.
The most common side effects of receiving CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION are low RBC, WBC and platelet counts leading to anemia, increased infections and bleeding tendency and loss of appetite, abnormal eye movements, eye pain, redness and inflammation, nausea, vomiting, mouth ulcers, sore tongue, skin rashes, hair loss and inflammation at the injection site. Consult your doctor if any of these above side effect worsens.
CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION works by damaging the cellular genetic material (DNA). This interferes with the functions of DNA and works against 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.
CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION will be given to you only by a doctor or a nurse beneath the skin (subcutaneously) of thighs, arms or abdomen or into the vein (intravenously). Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects after receiving CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION:
Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.
Avoid eating spicy foods. Drink plenty of water. Apply a pain-relieving gel on the affected areas of the mouth if required. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.
Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oil rich or spicy foods. If your nausea worsens, consult your doctor for advice.
CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION is not recommended for use in pregnant women as it may harm the growing baby. Women of childbearing potential must use a suitable contraceptive to avoid pregnancy while undergoing therapy with CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION and until 6 months after stopping the therapy.
CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. Therefore, inform your doctor before receiving the medicine.
Do not drive or operate any machines if your ability is affected by CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION.
CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Therefore, consult doctor before receiving it.
CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases such as jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes). Therefore, consult doctor before receiving it.
Do not receive CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION if you are allergic to Cytarabine.
CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION should be used with caution in patients with heart diseases. Therefore, consult doctor before receiving it.
CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION should be used in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years) only if prescribed by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.
CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years or above). Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.
CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION is not recommended for use if you:
Before receiving CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before receiving CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION inform your doctor if you are taking the following medicines such as:
Overdosage:
CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION will be administered only by a doctor or a nurse in a hospital, and so it is unlikely to receive an overdose. However, consult your doctor or nurse if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Drug | : | Cytarabine |
Pharmacological Category | : | Cytidine Analogs |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Blood cancer, Lymph cancer |
Dosage Forms | : | Injection, Tablet |
Q: What CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION is used for?
A: CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION is used for certain types of blood cancer and lymph cancer (Ex. acute myeloid leukemia, acute non-lymphoblastic/lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma).
Q: What side effects are seen with CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION?
A: The most common side effects of receiving CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION are low RBC, WBC and platelet counts causing anemia, increased infections and bleeding tendency, loss of appetite, abnormal eye movements, eye pain, redness and inflammation, nausea, vomiting, mouth ulcers, sore tongue, skin rashes, hair loss and inflammation at the injection site. Consult your doctor if any of these above side effect worsens.
Q: Who should avoid receiving CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION?
A: CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION is not recommended for use in pregnant and/or breastfeeding women. It is also not recommended for use in patients suffering from leukopenia (low white blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count), severe liver disease, or severe kidney diseases. Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.
Q: Is CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION safe for use in children?
A: CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION should be used in children and adolescents (aged below 18 years) only if prescribed by the physician. Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.
Q: Can I consume alcohol while undergoing therapy with CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION?
A: Avoid consumption of alcohol while undergoing therapy with CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION as it could lead to unwanted side effects.
Q: Is it safe to drive or use machinery after received CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION?
A: Do not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if you experience dizziness, nausea, or vomiting after receiving CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION.
Q: How CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION works?
A: CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION works by damaging the cellular genetic material (DNA). This interferes with the functions of DNA and works against cancer cells from multiplying. Therefore, it works against abnormal cell division within the body.
Q: Can CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION increase the risk of infections?
A: CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION may cause a drop in the number of white blood cells in the body and may weaken your immune system. As a result, you may be at a greater risk of getting infected while receiving CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION. To avoid this, your doctor will regularly monitor your blood count. However, inform your doctor if you experience any signs of infection such as fever.
Q: Can the use of CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION cause hair loss?
A: Hair loss is one of the common side effects of receiving CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION. This side effect is usually temporary and disappears once after therapy with this medicine stops completely. If it bothers you, consult your doctor for advice.
Q: Can the use of CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION make me feel tired?
A: Yes. CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION may make you feel tired easily. This is because, it reduces the levels of red blood cells in your blood and may make you anaemic. Consult your doctor if you experience tiredness after receiving CYTOSAR 500MG INJECTION. Tiredness can also occur if you have any pre-existing disease conditions such as liver or kidney impairment while receiving this medicine.
1. KD Tripathi. Chemotherapy of neoplastic disease. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. 7th edition. 2019. Page no: 864.
2. Arjumand Faruqi, Prasanna Tadi. Cytarabine. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology information. StatPearls. [Revised in August 2022]. [Accessed on 1st April 2023] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557680/#:~:text=Go%20to%3A-,Mechanism%20of%20Action,the%20molecule%20within%20the%20DNA.
3. Hospira UK Limited. Electronic Medicines Compodium (EMC). [Revised in October 2020] [Accessed on November 6th 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1570.pdf
4. Get well oncology pharmaceuticals. Cytarabine for Injection. Cytowel. [Accessed on November 6th 2023] https://www.getwelloncology.com/cytarabine-for-injection-manufacturer
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Written By Dr. Janet.C, Pharm.D
Last updated on 07 Nov 2023 | 09:55 AM(IST)
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