Fludarabine Phosphate for Leukemia

Overview
Fludarabine phosphate is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as part of a combination regimen for treating adults with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It is also approved for adults with B-cell CLL whose disease has not responded to or has progressed after treatment with at least one alkylating agent. 

This medication belongs to a group called nucleoside metabolic inhibitors. It works by blocking cancer cells from copying their DNA, which stops their growth and causes them to die.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that fludarabine phosphate is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion. When used in combination with cyclophosphamide and rituximab, it is typically given once daily for three days in a 28-day cycle, for a total of six cycles. When used as a single agent, it is typically given once daily for five consecutive days in a 28-day cycle. The dosage may need adjustment in individuals with kidney impairment. Fludarabine phosphate should be administered exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of fludarabine phosphate include myelosuppression (low blood cell counts), fever, infection, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and pain.

Rare but serious side effects may include neurological toxicities such as coma, seizures, confusion, and agitation. Severe myelosuppression can lead to conditions such as anemia (low red blood cell count), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), neutropenia (low white blood cell count), or pancytopenia (low levels of all blood cells). Autoimmune cytopenias (conditions where the immune system attacks blood cells), transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (a severe immune response following blood transfusion), tumor lysis syndrome (a rapid breakdown of cancer cells that can cause kidney and heart problems), and pulmonary toxicity (serious lung complications) may also occur. The medication can also cause harm to an unborn fetus.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Fludarabine (Injection) — Drugs.comHighlights of Prescribing Information: Fludarabine Phosphate Injection, for

Intravenous Use — Sandoz