What is Arranon (Nelarabine)?
Nelarabine interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Nelarabine is used to treat T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.
Nelarabine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Arranon (Nelarabine)?
Nelarabine may cause serious side effects of the central nervous system, such as problems with balance, coordination, or fine motor skills. These symptoms may not go away even after you stop receiving nelarabine. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about any possible long-term side effects.
Do not receive this medication if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Nelarabine can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill.
Nelarabine is given as an injection into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection while you are in a clinic or hospital setting. Nelarabine must be injected slowly through an IV needle. Each injection may take up to 2 hours to complete.
Do not receive a “live” vaccine while you are being treated with nelarabine, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you.
Nelarabine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Arranon (Nelarabine)?
Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to nelarabine
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- a nerve disorder
- a history of radiation treatment of your head, neck, or spinal cord; or
- a history of cancer medicine injected around your spinal cord
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not receive nelarabine if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are receiving this medication.
It is not known whether nelarabine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Arranon Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Arranon (Nelarabine)?
Nelarabine may cause serious side effects of the central nervous system. These symptoms may not go away even after you stop receiving nelarabine. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about any possible long-term side effects.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- confusion or clumsiness
- lack of balance or coordination
- weakness or trouble walking
- numbness and tingling in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes
- problems with buttoning clothes or picking up small items with your fingers
- blurred vision
- easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness
- seizure (convulsions)
- black, bloody or tarry stools; or
- fever, chills, or signs of infection
Less serious side effects may include:
- cough
- headache
- mild stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
- redness, pain, or swelling where the IV needle was placed; or
- weakness, dizziness, extreme sleepiness
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 FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Arranon Interactions
What other drugs affect Arranon (Nelarabine)?
Before receiving nelarabine, tell your doctor if you are also using pentostatin (Nipent).
There may be other drugs that can interact with nelarabine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Arranon (Nelarabine)?
Avoid coming into contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses during your treatment with nelarabine. Nelarabine can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill.
Do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (a “live” vaccine) while you are being treated with nelarabine. Avoid coming into contact with people who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you.
Nelarabine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Arranon Dosage
How should I take Arranon (Nelarabine)?
Nelarabine is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 2 hours to complete.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your nervous system and kidney function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
What happens if I overdose on Arranon (Nelarabine)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.
Overdose can cause paralysis or coma.
What happens if I miss a dose of Arranon (Nelarabine)?
Contact your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment to receive your nelarabine injection.
Edited from everydayhealth.com