Cytarine 500mg Injection 5ml
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Introduction About CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION
CYTARINE 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 CYTARINE 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. CYTARINE 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 CYTARINE 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.
Uses Of CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION
- Used for certain types of blood cancer and lymph cancer
How CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION Works
CYTARINE 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 manages abnormal cell division within the body, slows down the growth of cancer cells and helps the bone marrow to produce normal blood cells.
How to use CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION
CYTARINE 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.
Side Effects Of CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION
Serious
Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects after receiving CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION:
- sore mouth
- 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
- fever, chills, aches, soreness while swallowing (symptoms of infection)
- bleeding gums, blood in urine or vomit, unexpected bruising
- black tarry stools (signs of bleeding in the gut)
- severe chest pain with breathing difficulties (symptoms of pericarditis)
- severe pain in abdomen (signs of pancreatic inflammation)
- loss of vision, loss of touch tense, mental disturbances or loss of ability to move normally
Common
- low RBC count causing anemia
- tiredness and pale skin
- increased infections
- increased bleeding tendency due to low blood platelet counts
- loss of appetite
- high levels of uric acid in blood
- abnormal eye movements, eye pain, redness, inflammation, bleeding, sensitivity and burning sensation
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mild stomach pain, ulcers in the anus (back passage)
- mouth ulcers, sore tongue
- liver problems
- skin rashes, itching, blistering and inflammation of blood vessels
- hair loss
- problems in passing urine
- injection site reactions (inflammation and blood clots)
Uncommon
- sepsis
- headache
- lung infection
- numbness or weakness in legs and arms
- paralysis of lower body
- sore throat, inflammation of food pipe
- inflammation in bowel and bowel cysts
- lentigo (brownish or blackish spots in skin)
- redness and blisters in hands and feet with pain
- muscle and joint pain
How To Manage Side Effects
Headache
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.
Mouth Ulcers
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.
Nausea And Vomiting
Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oil rich or spicy foods. If your nausea worsens, consult your doctor for advice.
Warning & Precautions
Pregnancy
ContraindicatedCYTARINE 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 CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION and until 6 months after stopping the therapy.
Breastfeeding
ContraindicatedCYTARINE 500MG INJECTION is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. Therefore, inform your doctor before receiving the medicine.
Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionDo not drive or operate any machines if your ability is affected by CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION.
Kidney
Use with CautionCYTARINE 500MG INJECTION should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Therefore, consult doctor before receiving it.
Liver
Use with CautionCYTARINE 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.
Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not receive CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION if you are allergic to Cytarabine.
Heart Disease
Use with CautionCYTARINE 500MG INJECTION should be used with caution in patients with heart diseases. Therefore, consult doctor before receiving it.
Use In Pediatrics
Monitoring requiredCYTARINE 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.
Use In Geriatrics
Use with CautionCYTARINE 500MG INJECTION should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years or above). Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.
Others
CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION is not recommended for use if you:
- have low RBC, WBC and platelet counts in blood
- have developed any abnormal affects in brain (encephalopathy) after radiation
Before receiving CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- low blood counts
- are currently undergoing or planning to undergo radiation therapy
- high blood uric acid levels
- undergoing any blood transfusions
- planning to receive any other vaccines
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before receiving CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION inform your doctor if you are taking the following medicines such as:
- digoxin (a medicine used to manage irregular heart rate)
- gentamicin (a medicine used for infections)
- 5-fluorocytosine (a medicine used for fungal infection)
- medicines that reduce the activity of immune system (Ex. tacrolimus, prednisolone)
Overdosage:
CYTARINE 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.
Synopsis
| Drug | : | Cytarabine |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Cytidine Analogs |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Blood cancer, Lymph cancer |
| Dosage Forms | : | Injection, Tablet |
More Information
- Keep CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION out of sight and reach of children
- Store CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION at room temperature
FAQs About CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION
Q: What CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION is used for?
A: CYTARINE 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 CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION?
A: The most common side effects of receiving CYTARINE 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 CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION?
A: CYTARINE 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 CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION safe for use in children?
A: CYTARINE 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 CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION?
A: Avoid consumption of alcohol while undergoing therapy with CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION as it could lead to unwanted side effects.
Q: Is it safe to drive or use machinery after received CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION?
A: Do not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if you experience dizziness, nausea, or vomiting after receiving CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION.
Q: How CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION works?
A: CYTARINE 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 CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION increase the risk of infections?
A: CYTARINE 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 CYTARINE 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 CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION cause hair loss?
A: Hair loss is one of the common side effects of receiving CYTARINE 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 CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION make me feel tired?
A: Yes. CYTARINE 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 CYTARINE 500MG INJECTION. Tiredness can also occur if you have any pre-existing disease conditions such as liver or kidney impairment while receiving this medicine.
References
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
5. Cytarabine. Fresenius Kabi pharmaceuticals. [Accessed on November 6th 2023] https://www.fresenius-kabi.com/in/products/cytarabine
6. Central Drugs Standard Control Organization. Cytarabine. [Accessed on November 6th 2023] https://cdscoonline.gov.in/CDSCO/Drugs
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Bone marrow smear microscopy examination
- Complete Blood Count
- Peripheral Smear Examination
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